The Smart Image Tool is designed to help you get your designs print-ready by improving images that don’t quite meet our minimum resolution standards. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI), it increases the DPI (dots per inch) of lower-resolution images, making them better suited for printing.
What does the Smart Image Tool do?
The Smart Image Tool helps improve images that are almost ready for printing. Its main job is to adjust images so they meet the minimum DPI requirements for high-quality prints.
How it works
The Smart Image Tool uses AI to make smart adjustments to your image. This AI has been trained on over 10,000 images and learned how image details (dots per inch) behave when the resolution changes.
From an image size perspective:
- It doubles the DPI of low-resolution images.
- For regular products, it works with images between 38 and 74 DPI.
- For paper products, it works with images between 75 and 149 DPI.
For example, if your image is 55 DPI, the tool will boost it to 110 DPI. This allows you to use a larger image size without losing quality.
From an appearance standpoint:
- The tool analyzes the image to see if new information can be added based on the existing content.
- It then uses that information to enhance the image, sometimes making elements appear sharper or clearer.
Note: Since the tool builds on what your image already has, some parts of your design may look slightly different after adjustment.
How is this different from manually scaling up an image?
When scaling up the image without the help of AI, the computer uses a fixed algorithm to build a bigger image. This means the computer has limited knowledge on how to use the information (dots) to build the image. That’s why the larger image looks pixelated (see the image below). The Smart Image Tool, however, is trained to recognize what information needs to be added and does a better job of building the larger image.
Original image made 2x larger without the tool:
Original image made 2x larger with the tool:
What it doesn’t do
While helpful, the tool isn’t magic. It won’t:
- Fix blurry or pixelated images
- Smooth out jagged edges
- Remove noise or distortion
- Add or remove design elements
It also can’t create new visual details that aren’t already in your image. Think of it as a tool that helps your design meet print standards, not one that upgrades it beyond its original quality.
How do I use the Smart Image Tool?
You don’t need to activate anything - the Smart Image Tool works automatically. If you upload a design with a resolution that falls within the supported DPI ranges, the tool will automatically upscale your image. In the Design Maker, you can check if the tool has been applied by opening the Layers tab. If your image was adjusted, you’ll see an AI adjusted tag next to the design layer.
Important to keep in mind
We can’t guarantee improvements in image or print quality beyond helping your file meet minimum DPI requirements.
To get the best results:
- Always upload the highest quality image you can (150–300 DPI)
- Make sure your design isn’t blurry or pixelated
- Fix any flaws like jagged edges or image noise
- Order a sample to see how your design looks when printed
Still need help? Our Support Team is here for you—reach out anytime through our contact form or start a chat with us.