What is DPI?

A simple guide to choosing 150, 300 or 600 DPI in Convert2Print.

DPI means Dots Per Inch. It describes how much detail is printed within one inch of paper.

How DPI Works

Images are made of pixels. DPI connects those pixels to a physical print size.

The same image can be printed large or small. If it is printed too large, the pixels are spread out and the print may look soft.

The DPI Options in Convert2Print

Convert2Print uses three production DPI targets:

• 150 DPI
• 300 DPI
• 600 DPI

150 DPI

150 DPI is useful for large prints viewed from a distance.

• Large posters
• Wall art
• Exhibition graphics
• Banners and signs

300 DPI

300 DPI is the standard recommendation for most professional print jobs.

• Art prints
• Photo prints
• Flyers
• Brochures
• Posters
• Books and printed documents

600 DPI

600 DPI is used when maximum detail is required.

• Fine art reproduction
• Technical drawings
• Line art
• Small text
• Premium print production

Example

Imagine an image that is 3000 pixels wide.

• At 300 DPI, it can print about 25.4 cm wide.
• At 150 DPI, it can print about 50.8 cm wide.

Both prints use the same image. The 150 DPI version is larger, but the detail is spread over a bigger area. The 300 DPI version is smaller, but sharper when viewed up close.

DPI and Metrics

The Metrics panel in Convert2Print shows how your selected DPI affects the final output.

If the file does not contain enough pixels for the selected size, Metrics may warn that the print can become soft.

Important

Choosing a higher DPI does not magically create more detail. The original image must contain enough pixels to support the selected print size.

Recommended Setting

• Choose 150 DPI for large prints viewed from a distance.
• Choose 300 DPI for most professional print jobs.
• Choose 600 DPI for premium detail and fine artwork.

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