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When printing plans, drawings, or images from a large format printer, they should look their best. However, you might not know what image resolution for large format printing will achieve the best results. There’s much more that goes into large format printing than when using a basic office printer.

Here we'll explore what large format printing resolution means and why it's critical for getting high-quality prints. We'll also recommend what image resolution for large format printing you should use for your print projects for the best quality on large format printers.

What Is the Best Resolution for Printing?

The first step in setting up your large format printing projects is to select the right image resolution for large format printing. For digital design, you'll measure image resolution in dots per inch (dpi). This is the number of dots that appear within an inch of a printed image. But dpi should not be confused with ppi, or pixels per inch. While dpi is the specific number of dots printed on a page, ppi refers to the number of pixels within an inch on a computer screen. In short, while ppi applies specifically to digital images, dpi relates to printed images.

The best large format printing resolution is a minimum of 100 dpi. The traditional standard for smaller print jobs is around 300 dpi. However, larger files don't need a resolution this high because of the large file sizes. At 100 dpi, most large photo prints and other images will appear crisp and clear. Meanwhile, low-resolution images with lower dpi measurements will appear blurry because of their lower pixel count.

How to Choose Your Ideal Image Resolution

What Is the Best File Format for Large Format Printing?

Your images should have a large format printing resolution of at least 100 dpi, but you also need to take file formatting into consideration. There are a couple of key factors to consider here when formatting image files.

Image Size

File Type

Get the Printing Solutions You Need With HP

Image resolution for large format printing and file format are important considerations for any type of large format printing job. But you must also use the right printer for the job. There are many printers available that can help you print high-quality projects of all types. But it's best to find the ideal printer based on the specific materials you want to print.
Whether you want to print posters, banners, canvases, murals, wallpaper, or architectural drawings, you should locate the perfect printer for your application. HP carries many types of large format printers that can handle nearly any type of project based on your specific requirements. We can help you find the right printer for you, with experts available to guide you when selecting your large format printer. Our product selection is highly versatile and can meet all printing specifications.

Contact us today to discuss your printing needs, and we'll put you in touch with one of our experts to discuss the ideal solution for your next project.

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