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Image Quality Tips

If your image looks blurry or pixelated when printed, it’s usually because a low-resolution file has been used. Don’t worry, we’ll explain what this means, how to check it, and how to fix it.

What is DPI?

DPI stands for Dots Per Inch. It tells the printer how many tiny dots of ink are used to create your image.

  • Higher DPI = sharper, clearer prints

  • Lower DPI = blurry or pixelated prints

Top Tip: Always aim for 300 DPI for crisp results.
However, if your image is already blurry, increasing the DPI will not make it clearer—the original image quality is what truly matters.

How to check your image DPI

On a PC (Windows)

On a Mac (Apple)

On an iPad

  1. Right-click your image file and select Properties.
  2. Go to the Details tab.
  3. Look for Horizontal Resolution and Vertical Resolution.
  4. If both are 300 DPI or higher, you are good to go.
  5. If lower, your image might print blurry.
  1. Open your image in Preview
  2. Go to the menu and click Tools → Show Inspector
  3. Click the I tab (Information) → More Info → General Info
  4. Look for Image DPI or Resolution
  5. If both are 300 DPI or higher, you are good to go.
  1. Open the Files app and find your image.
  2. Tap and hold your image and select Info.
  3. Look for Resolution or Dimensions.
  4. If it is below 300 DPI, you will need to increase it.

Note: Even if an image looks large on your screen, print quality depends on DPI and original clarity, not file size. A blurry image will still print blurry.

FAQs

  1. What to do if your customer logo is low DPI?

If a customer provides a low-resolution logo and cannot supply a higher-quality version, we recommend scaling the logo down in your design until the low-resolution warning disappears. Enlarging a low-DPI logo will only make it blurrier.

 

2. What to do if your background image is low DPI?

Full-bleed background images require very high resolution. If your background is flagged as low DPI, scaling it up will not improve clarity.

We suggest:

  • Recreating the background (or something similar) directly in the app using our templates and badges

  • Sourcing a higher-resolution version of the image

  • For US clients, consider placing your order through Custom for a full design recreation

If you have any further questions on this, please contact our friendly support team who will be happy to assist.

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