Question
What is DPI (dots per inch)?
Answer
DPI, short for dots per inch, measures how much fine detail a printed piece can hold by counting the ink dots packed into each inch of paper. The higher the number, the sharper and smoother the finished print looks.
- Build images at 300 DPI at their final print size for crisp, professional results.
- Below roughly 200 DPI, edges soften and photos start to look fuzzy or blocky.
- Enlarging a low-DPI image does not add detail, it simply stretches the same pixels wider.
- Text and logos stay sharpest as vector art, which has no fixed DPI and scales cleanly.
| Resolution | Typical result |
|---|---|
| 300 DPI | Sharp and press-ready for cards, flyers, and postcards |
| 150 to 200 DPI | Acceptable for large signage viewed from a distance |
| 72 DPI | Screen only, prints soft and pixelated |
Ready to order?
Get your standard business cards printed at 4OVER4
Explore all Postcards at 4OVER4.
