---
title: Image resolution should be a minimum of 300ppi
description: "# Information The resolution of a raster, or pixel-based image can be described in pixels per inch or ppi. This image resolution aspect refers to the level of detail and clarity in printed images or text, typically measured in pixels…"
url: "https://test.pandagm.com/docs/image-resolution-should-be-a-minimum-of-300ppi/"
updated: "2024-06-13"
---

# Image resolution should be a minimum of 300ppi

# Information

The resolution of a raster, or pixel-based image can be described in pixels per inch or ppi. This image resolution aspect refers to the level of detail and clarity in printed images or text, typically measured in pixels per inch (ppi). Higher-resolution images (300ppi) result in sharper, more detailed prints, while lower resolutions may appear pixelated or less crisp. The resolution will directly influence the quality of printed materials, impacting everything from text readability to image sharpness. A minimum resolution of 300ppi is an industry standard for offset printing.

### Best Practices

- **Start with High-Quality Source Images:** Use high-resolution source images whenever possible. Higher resolution allows for more detail and flexibility during the printing process.
- **Avoid Upscaling:** Avoid scaling up low-resolution images for print as it can result in pixelation and loss of quality. Always work with images that have sufficient resolution from the start. An example of upscaling would be placing an image into an InDesign file, then stretching it to make it larger in one or both directions.
- **Choose the Optimal File Format:** Use file formats supporting high-quality images, such as TIFF. This format preserves image quality without compression artifacts. JPG and PNG formats will often be okay but may have some limitations.
- **Use Professional Editing Software:** Utilize professional photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop to adjust and enhance your images while maintaining their high resolution.
- **Set Color Profile Correctly:** A CMYK-based color profile will help create high-quality pdf's. Panda has a custom FOGRA39-based color profile, a common profile in the print industry. Our offset printers at the factory are also calibrated to the FOGRA39 color profile. Using a FOGRA39 color profile will create the most accurate color reproduction between your PDFs and the final printed product. The Panda color profile is at
- **Determine if your PDF has low-resolution images in it before uploading it to the Panda website project page:** Inside of Adobe Acrobat you can run a preflight check designed to look for low-resolution images. Panda has a Preflight Profile that you can download [here](https://pandagm.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/panda_preflight_profile55e8aac487a70.zip).

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# Solutions

Below are some suggestions to solve low-resolution image issues. Using the best practices above will decrease the chance of having issues with low-resolution images.

### Issue: Low resolution image(s)

1. Check your image source, there may be a higher-resolution version of the same image that was not used
2. Check your document output, you may have set the pdf export setting to “smallest file size” (this creates small pdf files with low-resolution images). Use the tools page (panda export profile)
3. Go back and create higher-resolution source images
4. Low-resolution drop shadows? Set Illustrator correctly.
5. Use a vector image if possible (sometimes a vector image can be used ????)
6. Approve the use of low-resolution images with your prepress specialist. Although this is risky, there are cases where a lower resolution is acceptable. i.e. background texture, very small images