What is a High Resolution Image?

If you’re planning any kind of printing– whether it’s business cards or banners– it’s important to make sure your images are sharp and clear. A high-resolution image contains more pixels, which means more detail and better quality when printed.

Understanding what qualifies as high resolution helps ensure your printed materials look polished and professional, no matter the size. In this article, we’ll explain exactly what high-resolution images are and how you can use them in printing.

To learn more about different printing methods and services, contact our team at Gorilla Print today.

High Resolution Images

A high-resolution image is one that contains a high level of detail, making it appear sharp, crisp, and clear, especially when printed. Unlike low-resolution images, which can look pixelated or blurry when enlarged, high-resolution files retain their quality across different sizes and formats.

High-resolution images are typically measured in two ways:

• Pixels per inch (PPI): This refers to the number of pixels packed into each inch of the image. The higher the PPI, the more detail the image holds. For print, 300 PPI is the standard for high-quality results.
• Image dimensions (in pixels): This is the total number of pixels that make up the image, usually listed as width × height (e.g. 3600 × 2400 pixels). Larger dimensions mean more data and a better-quality print, especially for larger formats.

In short, a high-resolution image has both high pixel density and sufficient pixel dimensions, making it ideal for professional printing where clarity and precision matter.

Low Resolution Images

A low-resolution image typically has fewer pixels, usually sitting at around 72 PPI, which is standard for web and screen use. Because the pixel density is lower, the image contains less detail and definition, making it suitable for digital platforms where fast loading and smaller file sizes are important.

While useful for online platforms, low-resolution images can be especially unsightly when printed. If you’ve downloaded an image from the internet, taken a screenshot or resized an image, your file will likely be a lower resolution than you want.

If you’re not sure what to look out for, check for these signs of poor pixelation:

• Blurred or jagged edges
• Soft, or blending edges
• Blocky colours
• Hard to read text
• Distorted images

These issues can impact the professional quality of your printed materials, so always double-check resolution before using an image for design or print.

High Resolution Images and Printing

High-resolution images are crucial for print as they ensure that your designs come out clear, readable and attractive. They help ensure that your project, whether it be advertising, art or product design, supports your professional image.

Likewise, with detailed images that are easily resized, you can adapt to changing consumer desires and needs quickly and efficiently. This can help you stay on top of trends, explore new advertising techniques and expand your business and operations.

What About Photos?

Photos are especially vulnerable to quality loss in print. A photo that looks fine on a screen might print with fuzzy edges or visible pixels if it’s not saved at a high enough resolution. This is particularly noticeable in portraits, product shots, and landscapes, where clarity and detail make a big visual impact.

For the best results, always use high-resolution image files (like large JPEGs, TIFFs, or high-quality PNGs) and check that they meet 300 PPI at the final print size.

Common Image Resolution Questions

How can I check the resolution of an image?

First, open your image file in a relevant image program. Then right-click the image and select ‘image size’ from the drop-down menu. This should provide you with PPI information.

If that doesn’t work, you should be able to search for the file itself, right-click for the drop-down menu and check ‘properties’.

Can I convert a low-resolution image to high resolution?

Low-resolution images can be turned into high-resolution images using a converter. However, depending on the tool you use, this could result in stretched pixels that potentially distort your image.

When upscaling your images, carefully assess the tool you are using and check the final results to ensure they meet your standards.

Is DPI the same as PPI?

While they’re closely related, they’re not the same thing. PPI (pixels per inch) refers to digital image resolution, while DPI (dots per inch) refers to the output resolution of a printer. Some files may tell you about the DPI rather than the PPI, but for printer purposes, these are often interchangeable.

Get Print Ready With the Right Help

Whether you’re printing photos, marketing collateral, or business signage, starting with the right file quality ensures your final product reflects the standard you expect. Low-resolution images might be fine for screens, but print demands more precision.

At Gorilla Print, we’re here to help you get the best results. From file checks to expert advice, we’ll make sure your prints look as sharp as your vision.

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