Put simply, resolution means how detailed an image is. When the rez is higher, you get more detail as a result.
Resolution is one of the most important aspects of any printed product. Take, for instance, an image you want to use for a social media post. If it is blurry and pixelated, it looks ugly. In short, leaving an image this way defeats the purpose of what it is; it just looks bad. However, beyond images, your text and PDF files need to be high-quality. That makes them easier to read and understand. We recommend a setting of 300 DPI or higher. So when you’ve got questions, we’ve got the answers!
What Does “Resolution” Mean, Anyway?
Put simply, resolution means how detailed an image is. When the rez is higher, you get more detail as a result. On the other hand, low rez gives you less detail. Do you know the saying less is more? Well, here, that isn’t true. Let us tell you why!
DPI and PPI? What Are Those?
The rez itself is measured in two different ways: DPI and PPI. DPI is an acronym for “dots per inch” while PPI stands for “pixels per inch.” It’s easy to mix them up, but don’t worry about it. While the image (and the document) is still displayed on a digital screen, PPI measures it. After it has been printed (and is thus tangible), DPI is the metric used to measure it. Here’s the rub: 300 PPI equals 300 DPI.
The Image Looks Fine on a Screen So What’s the Big Deal?
Unfortunately, the culprit here is the screen itself. Modern technology is both a blessing and a curse. When it works well, it’s fantastic; conversely, when it doesn’t, it’s headache-inducing. Sometimes, this is both a figurative and literal statement. The one thing that all digital screens share is that they’re considered “low-resolution devices.” That clarity is lost in translation when saving and uploading such images. It’s part of the reason why a desktop wallpaper might not be a good-looking email background.
So How Come My Images Are Printing Poorly?
Digital images are commonly scaled at 72-100 DPI. By contrast, the images on a roll of film (yes, we know!) and in a picture book are all 300 or higher. So if you pulled an image (stock or not) from a website or a Google search, you’d probably be disappointed. Most online images are compressed so they’ll load up faster and reduce aggravating wait times for users who might not be on a high-speed WiFi connection.
Let Time Printers Assist You with Your Printing Needs for the Rest of 2021!
Whether you already know how your latest print products should look or you want further advice, Time Printers is here to help! We service all of Baltimore, Hunt Valley, and Towson. Our team of professionals can answer all of your burning questions. Give us a call at 410-566-3005, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn for tips and see what we have been working on and what we can do for you. We hope to hear from you soon!