Understanding Print Resolution
The most common print problem? Low-resolution images that look fine on screen but print blurry. Understanding DPI (dots per inch) prevents this headache.
Screens display images at 72-96 DPI. Print requires 300 DPI for photo-quality output. This means a web image that looks great may have less than 25% of the pixels needed for a good print.
Print Preparation Checklist
- Check Resolution: Ensure 300 DPI at final print size. Lower resolution = visible pixels.
- Add Bleed: Extend images 0.125" beyond cut lines to avoid white edges.
- Consider Color Mode: RGB for home/office printers; check with professional printers for CMYK needs.
- Use High-Quality Formats: TIFF, PNG, or high-quality JPEG (90%+). Avoid web-optimized files.
Print Size Quick Reference (300 DPI)
4x6" Photo
1200x1800px
@ 300 DPI
8x10" Print
2400x3000px
@ 300 DPI
11x17" Poster
3300x5100px
@ 300 DPI
24x36" Large Poster
7200x10800px
@ 300 DPI
Business Card
1050x600px
@ 300 DPI
Flyer (8.5x11")
2550x3300px
@ 300 DPI
Formula: Print Size (inches) × 300 = Required Pixels
Print FAQ
What DPI do I need for printing?
For professional printing, use 300 DPI (dots per inch). This ensures sharp, crisp images. For large format prints viewed from a distance (billboards, banners), 150 DPI may be acceptable.
How do I calculate print size from pixels?
Divide pixels by DPI to get inches. For example, a 3000x2000 pixel image at 300 DPI = 10x6.67 inches print size. Our tools can help you resize images to exact print dimensions.
What's the difference between RGB and CMYK?
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is for screens. CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) is for print. Converting RGB to CMYK can shift colors, so some printers prefer RGB files and convert themselves.
What file format is best for printing?
TIFF is the gold standard for print (lossless quality). High-quality JPEG (90%+) and PNG also work well. Avoid web-optimized or heavily compressed files. PDF is ideal for multi-page documents.
How can I tell if my image is high enough resolution for print?
Check the pixel dimensions and divide by your target print size. If the result is 300+ DPI, you're good. For example, for an 8x10 inch print, you need at least 2400x3000 pixels.