When sending digitized text or an image to print, remember that resolution matters. The most common method to measure resolution is by dots per inch, also known as DPI.
Optimum DPI for a printing application may vary, based on what you are printing, how you are printing it and how your audience will be viewing your document.
First, we’ll take a look at what DPI is and then discuss how it can be used to ensure crisp, clear documents for your next printing application.
DPI (dots per inch) measures the number of dots within a linear inch of printed space. DPI is also sometimes referred to as “image resolution” or just “resolution.”
More dots equals a larger dot density and therefore a higher resolution. This is why you’ll see more detail in an image with a higher DPI, than a lower DPI. Also, a higher DPI offers a broader range of colors in contrast to a lower DPI which will have fewer dots and less of an opportunity to create more defined colors across the spectrum.
A higher DPI will produce more well-defined image edges and better resolution. Just remember that a higher DPI will also use more toner/ink when printing. If printing a large document or high quantity of documents, you’ll want to keep an eye on your toner/ink levels. You may use more than you think.
DPI is more commonly associated with printing graphic images, but it also relates to text as well. If the DPI of your image is too low, it may appear blurry or pixelated. If it is too high, it may waste your toner/ink supply.
However, when weighing a decision between two different DPI amounts, always err on the side of caution and choose the higher DPI.
Some printers will allow you to choose the DPI in a print quality setting when you print (or scan an image), but others may show this feature as a slider scale with options including text mode and photo mode.
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As noted above, what you are printing and how you are printing it are important to know when determining how much DPI you’ll need. In addition, take your audience into consideration and how close (or far away) they will be when viewing your printed piece. Printing an email is different than printing a 4” x 6” photo, or a poster to hang in a hallway or graphics to mount on a billboard.
Here’s some real-world printing examples to get you started:
While there is no official standard DPI for printed documents, 300 DPI is a good rule of thumb for general applications.
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