Saving Artwork for High-Quality Print
High-quality print starts with high-quality artwork. This guide explains how image resolution affects your finished product, how to check an image’s DPI and which file formats are best for print.
What is DPI?
DPI means dots per inch. It describes the level of detail used when printing an image.
For digital artwork, image resolution is more accurately measured in PPI (pixels per inch), but DPI is commonly used to describe both. Higher-resolution images usually produce sharper printed results, provided they are used at the correct size.
Scanning also uses resolution. Scan original images at a high enough resolution for their intended printed size; increasing the resolution during export cannot restore detail that was not captured in the original image.
Recommended Image Resolution
Desk calendars are wire-bound with a silver coil and supplied with a sturdy 500-micron box-board strut card.
Use the following resolutions at the final printed size:
| Product Type | Recommended Resolution |
| Business Cards and smaller | 600dpi |
| Small-Format Print | 300dpi |
| Large-Format Print | 150dpi |
| Hemmed Banners and Exhibition Stands | 72dpi |
Start with the highest-quality image available. Enlarging a low-resolution image can make it appear blurry or pixelated.
Check an Image’s Resolution
To check the resolution of a JPEG or PNG file in Windows:
1. Right-click the image file.
2. Select Properties.
3. Open the Details tab.
4. Under Image, check the horizontal and vertical resolution.
The two values should normally match.
Choosing a File Format
We recommend supplying final artwork as a high-resolution PDF.
PNG files can be high resolution, but they are designed mainly for digital use and are usually RGB. RGB artwork may change in appearance when converted to CMYK for print.
Avoid using low-resolution screenshots, web images or social-media downloads. These are often too small for print, even when exported at a higher DPI.
If you are unsure whether your images are suitable for print, email artwork@route1print.co.uk to request an artwork check.