How to Check Your Image Resolution

Understanding the image quality of digital images is vital to creating high-quality prints. Whether you’re working with photographs, digital art, or scans of physical art, you’ll need to make sure that the quality of the digital image meets specific standards to create flawless prints. 

Resolution and DPI: Explained

One key indicator of image quality is resolution. Resolution refers to the amount of detail that an image contains and is measured in either DPI or PPI. 

DPI refers to “dots per inch” and is the resolution measurement used for printed images. 

PPI refers to “pixels per inch” and is the resolution measurement used for digital images. 

The more dots or pixels per inch, the more detail an image contains. For ideal printing results, DPI and PPI should be in a 1:1 ratio. So, if you want an 8x10 printed image at 300 DPI, you should submit a file with an 8x10 canvas at 300 PPI. 

How to Check Your Image Quality

We recommend using image editing software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Lightroom to check an image's DPI or PPI prior to printing. This will ensure your image meets the minimum quality thresholds for a high-definition print. 

In Photoshop, you can check your image quality using the following steps:

1. Open your image in Photoshop
2. Go to Image in the top menu.
3. Select Image Size.

4. 1. In the popup window, locate the field labeled Resolution. Ensure it is set to pixels/inch to view your file’s PPI.

   To confirm your image is suitable for printing, check:

   • The dimensions of your file match or exceed the size of your intended print.
   • The PPI is at least 300 for optimal quality.

Best File Types for Printing

Choosing the correct file format for your project is essential for preserving image quality. The Stackhouse supports the following file types:

TIFF

• Pros:
  • Lossless format, retaining all original image details.
  • Ideal for high-resolution and commercial work.
• Cons:
  • Large file sizes, requiring more storage.

JPEG

• Pros:
  • Smaller file sizes, making them easier to upload and share.
  • Universally compatible with most software and websites.
• Cons:
  • Lossy format, meaning copies of the file degrade in quality compared to the original.
  • Less detail than TIFF or PNG.

PNG

• Pros:
  • Retains image detail without compression artifacts.
  • Supports transparency.
• Cons:
  • Larger file sizes than JPEG, which can be unnecessary for some projects.

Avoiding Common Printing Issues

Blurry or Pixelated Prints

• Ensure your image has a resolution of at least 300 DPI/PPI for crisp and detailed prints.
• Avoid enlarging low-resolution images to fit larger print sizes.

File Format Problems

• Use lossless formats like TIFF or high-resolution PNG for large prints.
• Avoid over-compression by saving JPEG files at the highest quality setting.

Color Shifts

• Calibrate your monitor and use ICC profiles to maintain consistent colors between your screen and the final print. Learn more about color management here.

FAQs or Common Issues

What happens if my file’s resolution is too low?

• Low-resolution files can result in blurry or pixelated prints. Always aim for 300 DPI/PPI for the best results.

Which file format should I use for large prints?

• Use TIFF or PNG for the highest-quality results, as they retain more detail than JPEG.

How do I ensure accurate colors in my print?

• Use calibrated monitors and ICC profiles to match screen colors to printed colors. Contact us for help setting this up.

Additional Resources

• Supported File Types and Resolutions
• Preparing Your Images for Print

Contact Support

Need help optimizing your files for printing? Contact us via Contact Us, and our team will ensure your files meet all requirements for flawless prints.