Having problems with print quality when you are printing images from Photoshop? It is likely due to DPI being set too low for your print process. When exporting an image, the default DPI for Photoshop can be tricky to understand and may not always produce consistent results.
This article discusses ensuring you’re getting the best quality output for professional or consumer printing.
DPI explained
To begin with, let’s go over a little bit of background info.
DPI means “dots per inch” and measures the resolution of an image file. An image with a higher DPI will have more dots, meaning more data (like color) will be encoded in every inch. For example, a 300 DPI image requires much more data than a 72 DPI image to store the same information.
What can happen if you don’t increase the DPI?
If the image is printed at a low setting, it will print out blurry and jagged. This can be due to a couple of factors. First, the resolution of the image may be too low for the selected media. For example, if you print your image on an inkjet printer but have set the resolution in Photoshop to 300 DPI instead of a higher option like 720 or 1440, your image will not print clearly.
Another reason may be the type of ink or the printer’s resolution. Many printers can not handle images with a high resolution, so it is essential to check your manual for recommended DPI settings for your particular brand and type of ink. For example, an inkjet with 300 DPI can’t print black ink any better than an inkjet with 150 DPI, but a higher DPI setting will allow the printer to use less ink to achieve the same results.
Checking your print settings
If you are printing at home, one of the best ways to ensure you get the most out of your printing device is to check your printer settings. Print resolution is generally an option in the driver for most printers (or if you don’t have a driver, check your manual).
Still have questions? Need help?
ID Card PH has an in-house print specialist who takes the time to answer all of your questions regarding image resolution and print quality. Contact us for more information about your ID card printing needs.
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