What is image resolution?
We hear that word a lot this day, but what is image resolution exactly? Resolution is how many pixels fit into one inch. You will commonly hear hear resolution referred to either DPI or PPI. Both mean the same thing. An image whit less pixels per inch will be a lower quality than an image with more pixels. An image with less pixels will be blurry or fuzzy.
How do I know what the right resolution is?
If you’re going to print an image, you want it to be anywhere from 300-600 DPI. The bigger the final size the more pixel you want. An image will degrade when you blow it up, so be sure to keep that in mind when creating your final project. For example, if you blow an 8×11″ image up to 30×40″ it will be fuzzier than if you had kept it at the original size.
Things to remember:
Having the correct resolution is a simple and easy way to make sure your project looks the absolute best it can. Here are a few simple reminders to help you get the best prints possible.
- Images that are printed should be at least 300 DPI. Anything less will print fuzzy.
- The best thing to do is to keep your final size in mind when compiling. Again, blowing up images degrades them. If you want to make a 30×40 poster make sure to get a high quality scan or a raw photo file so you can be sure that the image will stay sharp when enlarged.
- THE INTERNET IS NOT A GOOD PLACE TO GET YOUR PHOTOS! All photos and other images are set to 72DPI. This is way to small for printing. It may look great on the web, but will look horrible printed. These are small file.
