Convert Images for Print: DPI Guide

That stunning image on your screen can look terrible in print if you don’t prepare it correctly. The difference? Resolution, color mode, and file format all need to change when moving from screen to paper.

This guide explains exactly how to convert images for professional print quality.

Understanding Resolution: DPI vs PPI

These terms are often confused, but understanding them is essential for print work.

PPI (Pixels Per Inch)

PPI describes digital images—how many pixels exist in each inch of the image file.

• Used for screen display
• Typical screen resolution: 72-96 PPI
• Higher PPI = more detail in the file

DPI (Dots Per Inch)

DPI describes printed output—how many dots of ink the printer places per inch.

• Used for physical printing
• Standard print quality: 300 DPI
• Higher DPI = sharper prints

The Key Difference

A 1200×800 pixel image:

• At 72 PPI → displays at ~16.7×11.1 inches on screen
• At 300 DPI → prints at 4×2.7 inches

The pixel count stays the same; the physical size changes based on resolution.

Minimum Resolution Requirements

Print Quality Standards

Print Type	Minimum DPI	Notes
Professional printing	300 DPI	Industry standard
Photo prints	300 DPI	Required for sharp photos
Large format (posters)	150-200 DPI	Viewed from distance
Billboards	30-100 DPI	Viewed from far away
Text-heavy documents	400 DPI	Keeps text crisp

Calculating Print Size

To find maximum print size at 300 DPI:

• Width in inches = Pixel width ÷ 300
• Height in inches = Pixel height ÷ 300

Examples:

Image Dimensions	Max Print Size (300 DPI)
1800 × 1200 px	6 × 4 inches
3000 × 2000 px	10 × 6.7 inches
4500 × 3000 px	15 × 10 inches
6000 × 4000 px	20 × 13.3 inches

If your image is too small, you can’t simply increase the DPI—you need more pixels. Upscaling creates blur.

Color Mode: RGB vs CMYK

RGB (Red, Green, Blue)

• Used for screens and digital displays
• Creates colors by adding light
• Wider color range (gamut)
• Standard for web images

CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)

• Used for printing
• Creates colors by subtracting light (ink absorbs)
• Narrower color range than RGB
• Required for professional printing

Why Conversion Matters

Some RGB colors can’t be reproduced in CMYK. Bright neons and vibrant blues often look duller in print. Converting early lets you:

• See accurate color preview
• Adjust colors before printing
• Avoid surprises in final output

How to Convert

Most image editing software can convert:

• Photoshop: Image → Mode → CMYK Color
• GIMP: Image → Mode → CMYK (requires plugin)
• Affinity Photo: Document → Convert Format → CMYK

Always keep your original RGB file and save CMYK as a separate copy.

File Formats for Print

Best Formats

For a deeper look at TIFF specifically and why it dominates professional print workflows, our TIFF format guide covers compression options, color space handling, and when other formats might be a better fit.

Format	Use Case	Compression	Color Support
TIFF	Professional print	Lossless	RGB & CMYK
PDF	Multi-page documents	Varies	RGB & CMYK
EPS	Vector graphics	Lossless	RGB & CMYK
PSD	Layered files	Lossless	RGB & CMYK
PNG	Proofs (not final)	Lossless	RGB only

Formats to Avoid

Format	Why Not for Print
JPEG	Lossy compression degrades quality
GIF	Limited to 256 colors
WebP	Not supported by most print software
SVG	Only for vector graphics

JPEG exception: High-quality JPEG (90%+) is acceptable for some print workflows, but TIFF is always safer.

Step-by-Step Print Preparation

Step 1: Check Image Resolution

Verify your source image has enough pixels:

1. Open image properties/info
2. Note pixel dimensions
3. Calculate maximum print size at 300 DPI
4. Ensure it’s large enough for your intended use

Step 2: Resize If Needed

If printing smaller than maximum:

1. Calculate target pixel dimensions (print size × 300)
2. Resize image to those dimensions
3. This reduces file size without losing print quality

Use our bulk resizer for batch resizing multiple images.

Step 3: Convert Color Mode

For professional printing:

1. Convert from RGB to CMYK
2. Check for color shifts
3. Adjust if needed
4. Save as new file

Step 4: Set Resolution

Ensure file is set to 300 DPI:

1. In Photoshop: Image → Image Size → Resolution: 300
2. Don’t resample—just change the resolution value
3. Verify dimensions are still appropriate

Step 5: Choose File Format

Save in appropriate format:

• TIFF for photographs
• PDF for documents with text
• EPS for vector graphics

Step 6: Add Bleed (If Required)

For edge-to-edge printing:

• Add 0.125” (3mm) bleed on all sides
• Extend background/images into bleed area
• Keeps content safe from trimming

Common Print Problems and Solutions

Pixelated/Blurry Prints

Cause: Image resolution too low Solution: Start with higher-resolution source. Can’t fix by increasing DPI alone.

Colors Look Different Than Screen

Cause: RGB to CMYK conversion, monitor calibration Solution: Convert to CMYK early, use calibrated monitor, request proof

White Borders on “Full Bleed” Prints

Cause: No bleed area added Solution: Extend image 0.125” beyond trim line

Banding in Gradients

Cause: 8-bit color limitations, heavy compression Solution: Use 16-bit files, avoid JPEG, add subtle noise to gradients

Text Looks Fuzzy

Cause: Resolution too low for text Solution: Use 400 DPI for text-heavy documents, or use vector text

Print Preparation Checklist

Before sending to print:

• Resolution is 300 DPI (400 for text)
• Color mode is CMYK (for professional print)
• File format is TIFF, PDF, or EPS
• Bleed added if printing to edge
• Colors checked for CMYK conversion issues
• Text converted to outlines (if required)
• File size is manageable
• Proof requested before final print

Web Images vs Print Images

Characteristic	Web	Print
Resolution	72-96 PPI	300 DPI
Color mode	RGB	CMYK
File format	JPEG, PNG, WebP	TIFF, PDF, EPS
File size	Small (fast loading)	Large (quality)
Color gamut	Wide	Narrower

Converting Web Images for Print

Web images are typically too low-resolution for quality printing:

• 800×600 pixel web image → only 2.7×2 inches at 300 DPI
• You need the original, high-resolution source file
• Upscaling rarely produces acceptable print quality

When to Use BulkImagePro

BulkImagePro is designed for web optimization, but it can help with print preparation in specific ways:

• Format Conversion — Convert between formats (see our format conversion guide for detailed workflows; CMYK requires specialized tools)
• Batch Resizing — Resize images to specific dimensions
• Cropping — Crop to required aspect ratios

For CMYK conversion and professional print preparation, use dedicated software like Photoshop, Affinity Photo, or GIMP with CMYK plugins.

FAQ

What DPI do I need for printing?

300 DPI is the standard for professional printing. Large format prints viewed from a distance (posters, banners) can use 150-200 DPI. Billboards use even less.

Can I increase the DPI of a low-resolution image?

You can change the DPI number, but you can’t add detail that doesn’t exist. A 72 DPI image upscaled to 300 DPI will look exactly the same (or worse due to interpolation).

Why do my prints look different from my screen?

Screens use RGB and emit light; prints use CMYK and reflect light. Some colors can’t be reproduced in print. Monitor calibration also affects what you see.

Should I convert to CMYK myself or let the printer do it?

Convert yourself if possible. This lets you see and adjust for color shifts before printing. If you can’t convert, discuss with your printer—they can handle it but won’t adjust for your preferences.

What’s the largest I can print my image?

Divide your pixel dimensions by 300 to get the maximum size in inches at print quality. For example, 3000×2000 pixels = 10×6.7 inches maximum.

Do I need bleed for all prints?

Only if your design goes to the edge of the paper. Standard prints with white borders don’t need bleed.

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Need to prepare images for web after your print project? Try BulkImagePro free — resize and compress images for fast-loading websites. Process up to 50 images at once. If you’re converting iPhone HEIC photos for print, start with our HEIC to JPG guide to get those files into a universally compatible format first.