Print-Ready Image Sizes
Print resolution differs from screen resolution by an order of magnitude — print needs 300 DPI or higher for the dot pattern to disappear at normal reading distance, where a screen reads 72-96 DPI. The pixel count alone isn't enough: the file's DPI metadata tells the print renderer the intended physical size. Each preset here bakes 300 DPI into the metadata so a print shop, photo lab, or kiosk opens the image at the documented physical size — not at the wrong scale.
A file with the right pixel count but wrong DPI metadata prints at the wrong physical size — typically 4× too large at 72 DPI vs. the intended 300 DPI. The print renderer reads the file's embedded DPI to set the page measurement; without it, the renderer guesses and the printer's auto-fit logic sometimes guesses wrong. Embedding the right DPI is a one-byte metadata change with material physical-output consequences.
How to choose the right preset
- Pick by physical size. Business card (3.5×2 inch), 4×6 photo print, 5×7 photo print, A4 letter, and so on. The preset card shows the physical inches and the corresponding pixel size at 300 DPI.
- Verify the print shop's bleed requirement. Most printers want 3 mm of bleed margin beyond the trim line. The presets here output exact dimensions — measure your bleed into the source before running.
- Confirm the colour profile expectation. Most consumer printers accept sRGB. Some commercial offset shops require CMYK. The presets output sRGB; convert to CMYK manually if your print shop demands it.
- Pick the right photo-paper finish. Glossy paper renders darks deeper; matte paper renders highlights cleaner. The image content doesn't change, but your editing reference monitor's gamma assumption matters — soft-proof if possible.
- Plan resolution for large-format. Posters (A2+) can usually run 200-240 DPI without visible degradation at viewing distance. Some presets here are tuned to 300 DPI; for large formats, the lower-DPI variant is also fine.
Every Print preset
All 16 recipes in this category. Click any card to land in chat with the recipe pre-loaded — drop an image to run.
Common mistakes
- Sending a 72-DPI screen file to print — the file may have the right pixel count but at 72 DPI it prints 4× larger than intended.
- Forgetting bleed — most printers want 3 mm of bleed beyond the trim line. The presets here don't add bleed; measure it into your source.
- Using sRGB for offset print — some commercial print shops require CMYK; sRGB renders with a slight colour shift that's visible on flesh tones and saturated brand colours.
- Submitting a smaller-than-expected source — the preset upscales to fill the target dimensions, which softens fine detail. Start from a source at least the target pixel size for best print sharpness.
- Print-ready PDFs — these presets output JPEG / PNG. For PDF wrap, place the image into a layout app (InDesign, Figma, Affinity) and export the PDF from there.
- Forgetting the safe area — printers warn against placing critical content within 3 mm of the trim line. Centre your composition, not your content.
Frequently asked questions
Why 300 DPI specifically?
300 DPI is the print-grade resolution at which the dot pattern disappears at normal reading distance. Government photo offices, commercial print shops, and biometric scanners all assume 300 DPI; lower DPI prints visibly soft.
How do I check the embedded DPI in my file?
On macOS, right-click the file → Get Info shows the pixel and DPI count. On Windows, right-click → Properties → Details. Most image editors (Photoshop, Affinity, GIMP) also show DPI in the file's Image Size dialog.
Is sRGB enough for home printing?
Yes — every consumer inkjet and dye-sub printer driver accepts sRGB. Soft proofing in your editor against the printer's profile (downloadable from the manufacturer) gives the closest preview, but sRGB-out is the safe default.
What about CMYK conversion for print?
The presets here output sRGB. For commercial offset print where CMYK is required, run the file through your image editor's Convert to Profile (Adobe RGB → US Web Coated SWOP) as a separate step. The preset's sRGB output is the right starting point.
Will photo-lab kiosks accept these files?
Yes — every major photo-print kiosk (Walgreens, Target, Costco) accepts JPEG with embedded DPI metadata. The kiosk reads the DPI to set the print size automatically; no manual scaling required.
How private is the processing?
Every preset runs entirely in your browser. Print files often contain identifiable subjects (family photos, ID portraits, branded designs); browser-side processing keeps them on your device.