Optimal resolution for your print data
Resolution determines how sharp and detailed a motif will be printed. Basically, the higher the resolution, the finer the print result.
However, the maximum possible resolution is not required for every product – especially in the large-format sector, the size of the format and the viewing distance play a decisive role.
What does resolution mean?
Resolution describes the level of detail in an image. It indicates how many pixels (dots) are displayed on a specific surface area.
A higher resolution ensures finer details and sharper edges. Nevertheless, it is technically not advisable to create every file with extremely high values – modern printing systems work within defined quality limits.
Difference between PPI and DPI
The terms PPI and DPI are often confused. Both refer to dots per inch, but they differ in their field of application:
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PPI (pixels per inch) describes the image resolution on a screen – i.e., the number of pixels per inch in your file.
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DPI (dots per inch) refers to the actual ink dots that the printing system applies to the material.
For the creation of your print data, the PPI value is the primary decisive factor.
Which resolution is ideal for your product?
The optimal resolution depends on the respective product:
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Stickers and classic printed matter: 300 PPI
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Many other materials: 150 PPI
These values ensure clean and professional print quality.
Specifics of large format printing
For large format prints, a very high resolution is often neither necessary nor technically useful.
Two factors play an important role here:
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The final format size
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The expected viewing distance
The larger the product and the greater the distance from which it is viewed, the lower the required resolution can be.
Recommendations for large format prints
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100–150 PPI: Very high quality
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70–100 PPI: Good quality, easily legible even from a short distance
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30–70 PPI: Solid quality, well recognizable from several meters
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Under 30 PPI: Suitable for very large prints with great viewing distances
Important
Do not create your file with unnecessarily high resolutions. Extremely large files can make processing difficult without visibly improving print quality.
If you are unsure, please refer to the product-specific information in our shop.