Image Resolution

Even if an image looks sharp on your computer or phone, it may print blurry, jagged, or pixelated. Most of the time, this happens because the resolution is too low for printing.

Below is a simple explanation of what resolution means and how to prepare images correctly for print.

Resolution describes how detailed an image is, expressed in dpi (dots per inch)—how many dots fit inside one inch.

Images used on websites, SNS, or online catalogs are usually saved at 72 dpi to keep file sizes small and pages fast.
They look sharp on-screen because monitors do not require high dpi.

But when printed, the lack of dot density becomes obvious, resulting in:

• jagged edges
• blurry details
• “mosaic-like” pixelation

This is why images copied from the internet rarely print well.

When preparing images for print, follow these steps:

How to check in Illustrator:

1. Open the Image Size panel
   Menu: Image → Image Size
2. Uncheck “Resample”
   This is important.
   With “Resample” OFF, Photoshop will not create new pixels. It will only report the true resolution.
3. Enter the required resolution (e.g., 350 pixels/inch)
4. Watch the Width/Height update automatically

Photoshop will adjust the physical print size based on the real amount of pixel data.

Example:

An 800 × 800 px image at 350 dpi will only print small (about 58 × 58 mm).
If you try to print it larger, quality will drop.