What is the best image resolution for printing posters?

Achieving the right image resolution for poster printing is essential for generating top-quality, professional poster prints. However, because so many variables come into play, ranging from the size of your poster to the printing technology you're using, it can be challenging to gauge exactly which image resolution will give you the best results.

Through this guide, you will discover how to set the right image resolution for poster printing. We will help you understand the impact of image resolution for poster printing, the elements of poster printing that affect image resolution, and how image resolution can be adjusted to maximise your poster printing standards. In the end, you will have accumulated enough knowledge to confidently set up the best image resolution for all your future printing activities.

How Does Image Resolution Affect Print Quality?

If you've ever enlarged a digital image or photo to end up with print results that are blurred, pixelated, or otherwise distorted, you've likely experienced a problem with resolution. In a printed or digital image, colours and shapes are distributed in dots or pixels. Resolution is the measurement of how many dots or pixels fit into one inch. This is relayed as dots per inch (dpi) in a printed image or pixels per inch (ppi) in a digital image. When these building blocks become spaced too far apart, the image quality becomes distorted. You can avoid poor-quality prints by setting the right resolution on your large format printer.

High Image vs. Low Image Resolution

The Importance of Image Resolution When Printing Posters

Posters typically require images to be enlarged several times beyond the size of the original photo or drawing. When they're enlarged, the dots or pixels that make up these images are spread further apart. When the resolution is too low, the images will become blurred or distorted.

Common Printing Methods for Posters

Digital Printing

Offset Printing

How to Determine the Best Image Resolution for Posters

Generally, when printing a poster, your final file image should be 150-300 dpi for the desired print dimensions. Deciding the exact resolution will depend on many factors about your poster.

It Depends on Poster's Intended Use

Consider the Size of the Poster

Determine the Poster's Viewing Distance

Common Poster Sizes in Malaysia and Their Resolution Needs

Popular poster sizes often range from smaller formats like A3 (297mm x 420mm) to larger sizes such as A0 (841mm x 1189mm). Standard dimensions include:

A3 (297mm x 420mm): Commonly used for smaller advertisements and in-store promotions. A resolution of 150-300 dpi ensures text and images remain sharp.

A2 (420mm x 594mm) & A1 (594mm x 841mm): Ideal for event announcements or larger displays. A resolution of 200-300 dpi is recommended.

A0 (841mm x 1189mm): Suitable for exhibitions and outdoor promotions. Opt for 300 dpi for clear visuals when viewed up close.

Common Poster Sizes in Philippines and Their Resolution Needs

Popular poster sizes often range from smaller formats like A3 (297mm x 420mm) to larger sizes such as A0 (841mm x 1189mm). In the Philippines, these sizes are commonly seen in settings like retail advertisements in Bonifacio Global City or public events in Cebu's cultural hubs, ensuring the right resolution is vital for impactful displays. Standard dimensions include:

A3 (297mm x 420mm): Commonly used for smaller advertisements and in-store promotions. A resolution of 150-300 dpi ensures text and images remain sharp.

A2 (420mm x 594mm) & A1 (594mm x 841mm): Ideal for event announcements or larger displays. A resolution of 200-300 dpi is recommended.

A0 (841mm x 1189mm): Suitable for exhibitions and outdoor promotions. Opt for 300 dpi for clear visuals when viewed up close.

How to Adjust a Poster's File Size and Image Resolution

Your poster's print resolution depends on the size and resolution of your original image. When resizing a poster, you can adjust the resolution from your computer or your printer/scanner. However, it's important to note that if you resize the image from your computer, the digital image doesn't necessarily indicate the clarity of the final print.

To adjust a poster's size from your computer, you can use your computer's native editing tool or a third-party application like Photoshop. Native settings may vary from one device to the next, but the basic steps will be similar to the following:

• Open the file in preview mode
• Click on "Tools"
• Click on "Adjust Size" in the dropdown menu to reveal width, height, and resolution options
• Select inches for height and width and pixels/inch for resolution
• When the image is resized to the desired dimensions, click OK and save the file

Resizing with scanners also depends on dpi capabilities. While many scanners can scan up to 1,200 dpi, it's unlikely to be the default setting. Changing the resolution settings from your printer will make the new settings your default. If you don't want to make the change permanent, it will be necessary to change the setting back to the original default after printing. Follow these steps to change your printer's default settings:

• Type "Devices" into the main search bar at the bottom left of your screen
• Select "Devices and Printers" from the results list
• Right-click on the appropriate printer icon
• Select "Printing Preferences"
• Change print settings, click "OK"
• Print the desired image

Using a high-quality printer is an important part of getting the resolution you're looking for in your finished poster. HP large format printers and plotters are widely known for producing professional results. Whether you're printing artistic posters or large advertisements, we can help you meet your printing needs. Contact HP Virtual Booth to explore our most popular printers.