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Print glossary

What is DPI (or PPI) for print?

Definition

DPI or PPI is how many image pixels fall in each printed inch; about 300 is needed for sharp print at normal reading distance.

What it means for your file

What matters is effective resolution: the pixels you have divided by the size it prints. Large-format pieces seen from further away need less: 100–150 ppi for banners, lower for billboards.

How to fix it

If your printer sent the file back saying “The images are low resolution,” the fix page has the step-by-step way to do it yourself, and a fixed price if you’d rather have it done.

How to fix “The images are low resolution”

Where else it comes up

Related terms

Vector

A vector graphic is made of mathematically defined lines and curves, so it can be printed at any size without losing sharpness.

Raster (bitmap)

A raster image is made of pixels, like a JPEG, PNG or photo, and goes soft or blocky when enlarged beyond its resolution.

Outlined fonts

Outlining a font converts each letter into a vector shape, so the text prints exactly as designed without the printer needing the font installed.

Linked images (links)

Linked images are pictures placed in a layout file, such as InDesign or Illustrator, as references to separate image files rather than stored inside it.

Preflight

Preflight is the automated check a printer or designer runs on a print file before printing, looking for problems such as missing fonts, low-resolution images, RGB color and missing bleed.

All print terms in the glossary, or run your file through the free print-ready checker.

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