What is DPI (dots per inch)?
DPI stands for Dots per Inch, referring to the number of ink droplets a printer will produce per inch while printing an image. The more dots of ink per inch the picture has, the more detail you will see when printed.
What is 300 DPI?
If an image has a resolution of 300 DPI, this means that every inch contains 300 dots of ink. Photographers and graphic designers typically use 300 DPI as a benchmark for printing high-quality images.
The role of DPI in giclée printing
DPI is used for printer resolution, to indicate the clarity and detail of an image on paper. It’s an important measurement for photographers and designers, as it will determine the quality of a printed asset.
DPI influences:
Precision and detail: Our giclée printers are capable of printing at a maximum resolution of 2,400 x 1,200 DPI. We ensure that each nuance and subtlety of the original artwork is precisely captured.
Color depth: High DPI allows for a more extensive range of color gradations, producing richer and more vibrant images.
How to understand and apply DPI
Assessing your image quality
Before uploading your artwork to Lama.co, ensure it has a DPI of 300.
To find the size of your file in pixels for your print at 300 DPI, simply use this formula:
Width of the file in pixels = (print width in cm / 2.54) x 300
Height of the file in pixels = (print height in cm / 2.54) x 300
In any case, here are some file sizes in pixels for different standard print formats at 300 DPI :
Print size in cm | File size in pixel at 300DPI |
A4 (21 cm x 29.7 cm) | 2480 x 3508 pixels |
A3 (29.7 cm x 42 cm) | 3508 x 4961 pixels |
A2 (42 cm x 59.4 cm) | 4961 x 7016 pixels |
A1 (59.4 cm x 84.1 cm) | 7016 x 9933 pixels |
A0 (84.1 cm x 118.9 cm | 9930 x 14043 pixels |
Adjusting DPI
To adjust the DPI of your image, use image editing software like Photoshop. Navigate to Image -> Image Size, and input 300 in the DPI field. Here is also a link to a short video tutorial.
Note that increasing the DPI on a low-resolution image can result in a loss of quality, so it's best to create your artwork at 300 DPI from the start.
Implications of DPI in print size
The DPI of your image also determines the maximum size at which you can print without losing quality. If your original image is 300 DPI, enlarging it may decrease the DPI and, subsequently, the print quality. Always match the DPI to the print size you intend to offer on Lama.co.
By ensuring your artwork is at the correct DPI, you can trust that your prints from Lama will be of the highest quality when reproduced.