If you’re getting started with design files, here’s a quick breakdown of a few key terms:
Resolution
Resolution refers to the number of pixels in an image, usually written as width x height. For example, a 1920 × 1080 screen means the image is 1920 pixels wide and 1080 pixels tall.
DPI (dots per inch)
DPI is a printing term that tells you how many dots of ink are printed in one inch.
- Higher DPI = more detail and sharpness.
- Lower DPI = fuzzier or pixelated prints.
Actual print file size
This is the real-world size of your design. Let’s say you have a 5" × 5" image at 100 DPI. If you scale it up to 10" × 10" without changing the resolution, your DPI drops to 50—meaning the print will look blurry.
That’s why we ask for print files to be:
- At least 150 DPI.
- Sized to match the actual print dimensions.
The resolution alone isn’t enough—it only works well if the file dimensions are also correct. You can find the File guidelines for each product in the catalog.
Want more tips on how to prep your files for the best quality? This blog post breaks down how to create a perfect print file—simple and easy.