Understanding Metrics

How Convert2Print evaluates print quality, size, scaling and file readiness.

Metrics help you understand what will happen before you generate the final ZIP. They show whether the file is suitable for the selected output size, DPI, ratio and print workflow.

Simple answer: Metrics tell you if your file is safe to print, needs review or may become too soft when enlarged.

1. Why Metrics Exist

Instead of guessing, Convert2Print analyzes the uploaded file and calculates practical print information.

2. How Convert2Print Uses DPI

Convert2Print works with three production DPI targets:

These are output targets. The original file may not always contain enough pixels to support the selected DPI at the chosen print size.

If a PDF or uploaded file does not provide a clear usable DPI target, Convert2Print uses 300 DPI as the standard production reference.

3. 150 DPI

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

4. 300 DPI

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

Recommended: If you are unsure, choose 300 DPI.

5. 600 DPI

600 DPI is used when maximum detail is required.

6. What Happens if the File Is Too Small?

Images are made of pixels. DPI is calculated from the number of pixels and the physical print size.

If you choose a large print size but the uploaded file has too few pixels, Convert2Print will show warnings in Metrics.

The file can still be generated, but the print may look soft when viewed closely.

7. Print Quality Score

The print quality score estimates how suitable the file is for the selected output.

8. Final Print Resolution

Final print resolution shows the practical DPI achieved after the selected size, ratio and scaling are applied.

9. Scaling

Scaling shows whether Convert2Print needs to resize the image.

Heavy upscaling can reduce sharpness and print quality.

10. Upscale Factor

The upscale factor shows how much the image is enlarged.

11. Ratio and Crop Warnings

If the selected ratio does not match the original file, Convert2Print may need to crop part of the image.

The preview shows the visible crop area before export.

12. Illustration Metrics

Illustration metrics focus on print size, DPI, ratio, scaling and expected print quality.

They help you decide whether the chosen size and ratio are suitable for artwork, posters and print designs.

13. Photo Metrics

Photo metrics show the selected output height, calculated width, output pixels, embedded ICC profile and output DPI.

Photo mode uses sRGB automatically.

14. PDF Metrics

PDF metrics check document structure and print readiness.

15. PDF/X-4 Metrics

PDF/X-4 metrics show whether the file follows a print-ready PDF/X workflow.

16. TAC / Ink Coverage

TAC means Total Area Coverage. It measures how much ink may be used in the darkest parts of the print.

Too much ink can cause drying problems, smudging or unstable print results.

17. Recommendations

The Recommendations section helps you choose safe print sizes.

18. Quick Rule

Your file is usually production-ready when Metrics shows:

Best practice: Always review Metrics before exporting. It is the fastest way to catch print problems before sending files to production.

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