You just approved your business’s new promotional flyer—logo, layout, colors, everything looks perfect on your screen. But when the print comes back? It’s grainy, pixelated, and… well, not what you envisioned.
Cue the panic.
Chances are, the culprit behind that disappointing print is something called DPI—or dots per inch. If you’re a small business owner in Central Indiana handling your own marketing materials or collaborating with a designer, understanding DPI is crucial for creating crisp, professional-looking prints.
At Davant Indy, we’ve helped countless business owners just like you avoid blurry disasters by ensuring their files are print-ready and DPI-perfect. Today, we’re breaking it down step by step so you can learn how to check DPI before sending anything to print.
What Is DPI and Why Should You Care?
DPI stands for dots per inch, referring to the resolution of an image when it is printed. The higher the DPI, the sharper and more detailed the print will be.
Here’s the rule of thumb:
- 300 DPI = Great for print (flyers, brochures, banners, etc.)
- 72 DPI = Fine for screens, but terrible for printing
Why it matters: If you use a 72 DPI image in a large-format print (such as a poster or banner), it will appear blurry and pixelated, and no one wants their business to look fuzzy and unprofessional.
Step-by-Step: How to Check the DPI of an Image
1. On Windows
Right-click the image file and select Properties.
Click the Details tab.
Look for Horizontal Resolution and Vertical Resolution — these numbers are your DPI.
Pro Tip: If they say 300, you’re good to go. If they say 72, it’s time to pause and resize (more on that in a bit).
2. On Mac
Open the image in Preview.
Click Tools in the top menu, then select Show Inspector.
Under the Info (i) tab, go to the General Info or More Info section.
Look for the DPI listed as Image DPI or Resolution.
Still confused? No worries! This is where we come in. Davant Indy’s team is always happy to help you prep your files properly for print.
3. Using Adobe Photoshop
Open your image in Photoshop.
Click Image > Image Size from the top menu.
A dialog box will pop up—check the Resolution box.
Make sure it’s set to 300 pixels/inch for print.
Important: Unchecking “Resample” will preserve your image’s quality if you’re adjusting size but not resolution.
Common Questions You Might Have
I Don’t Know If My Images Are “Good Enough”
We hear this a lot: “My logo looks great on my website, but will it print well?”
Web images are often optimized for speed—not quality. That means they’re usually low resolution (72 DPI) and unsuitable for printed materials. If you’ve ever tried to stretch a small image onto a poster or banner, you’ve probably seen the ugly results.
Don’t risk your brand’s reputation on a blurry logo. When in doubt, let Davant Indy check your files and ensure you’re set up for success. We can even recreate your image in a higher resolution or vector format when needed.
Can I Increase the DPI of an Image?
Yes… and no.
Technically, you can open an image in a program like Photoshop and change the DPI setting. But if your image doesn’t have enough pixels to begin with, it won’t magically become clearer. Increasing DPI without increasing the actual pixel dimensions will still result in a low-quality print.
That’s why we recommend starting with high-resolution images or working with your designer to ensure your files are built for print from the beginning.
And if you’re stuck with a low-res image and don’t know what to do? Let’s talk. Davant Indy offers professional design and file prep services to rescue you from last-minute panic.
How to Prep Images for Print Like a Pro
Want to make sure your images are print-ready before sending them to us? Here’s a quick checklist:
- Use 300 DPI resolution
- Save in the right format (TIFF, PNG, EPS, or high-res PDF)
- Embed fonts and images in any document you’re exporting
- Include bleed margins for large-format prints like posters and banners
- Name your files clearly so nothing gets lost in translation
You don’t need to be a graphic design expert to create beautiful materials. At Davant Indy, we guide you through the process step-by-step or handle the technical details for you.
What About Vector Files?
If you’re printing logos, illustrations, or signage, vector files are your best friend. Unlike raster images, which rely on pixels, vectors are composed of paths and mathematical formulas, meaning they can scale infinitely without losing quality.
Formats like .AI, .EPS, and .SVG are all vector-based and ideal for large format printing. If you’re unsure whether your file is a vector, send it our way. We’ll check and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your brand prints beautifully, every time.
Pixel-Perfect Printing Starts Here
Checking your image’s DPI might seem like a small detail, but when it comes to print quality, it makes a huge difference. Whether you’re creating banners, flyers, brochures, or window graphics, your print project is only as good as the files behind it.
At Davant Indy, we’re here to ensure your materials not only look good, but also look great. From checking DPI and prepping files to full-scale design and printing, we’ve got your back.
Need help with an upcoming print job? Contact us to get started or upload your files today. Let’s make your next project pixel-perfect.
