Introduction

Pixels per inch (PPI) is a key setting in high-quality printing. It affects how sharp and clear printed images and graphics look. PPI is set in your design software, and a higher PPI means more detail and better image clarity on screen.

Many customers run into the same issue: their design looks great on screen, but prints out blurry or pixelated. This usually happens because the file was created at too low a PPI. Unlike digital displays, printers need a much higher pixel density to capture fine details. Another common challenge is not knowing how to check or change the PPI setting, especially when using free or unfamiliar software.

Knowing the right PPI helps avoid these problems. Whether you’re printing a book, poster, or magazine, setting your file to 300 PPI gives you the best chance of a sharp, professional result. And by checking this before you upload, you save time, money, and stress during the print process.

In this guide, we explain what PPI means, why it matters, and what PPI you need to ensure exceptional quality prints.
 

What is PPI (Pixels Per Inch) in printing?

PPI stands for Pixels Per Inch. It refers to the number of pixels in one inch of a digital image. A higher PPI means more detail and better image clarity on screen. Most print-ready files are set to 300 PPI, ensuring that your design will appear sharp when printed.

What Is Pixel Density?

Pixel density refers to the number of pixels contained in one inch of a digital image. For example, an image with low pixel density may look fine on a screen but appear blurry or blocky in print. An image with high pixel density retains its sharpness, even when printed on paper.

Pixel density is important because printers require sufficient pixel information to produce detailed prints. You should upload files with a high pixel density to ensure your content prints accurately and clearly. At Mixam, we recommend setting your artwork to 300 PPI for the best results.

Our artwork manager will automatically flag any image resolution issues before printing begins. And if you're unsure about your file settings, our team of print experts is always available to review your files and offer clear, practical guidance.
 

Mixam's AI Image Enhancer

Mixam’s free AI Image Enhancer is a powerful tool designed to improve low-resolution images, making them print-ready and suitable for professional printing. The tool automatically detects images that do not meet the recommended resolution and enhances them to 300 DPI, producing sharper, clearer, and more detailed results without requiring any manual adjustments. Whether you are working with digital artwork, scanned photos, or images sourced online, the AI Image Enhancer can upscale and refine them, preserving fine details and ensuring your final prints are visually appealing. The process is straightforward: upload your image, allow the AI to analyse and enhance it, and then download the improved version for use in your project. This tool is especially helpful for users who are not familiar with image editing software or anyone looking to save time while maintaining high-quality prints. By using the AI Image Enhancer, you can prepare your images for printing, avoid common resolution issues, and achieve consistent, professional results.

Factors Affecting Image Quality and Clarity

Image quality depends on more than just pixel count. Several factors work together to determine how sharp and clean your final print will look.

1. Image Dimensions

Large images with a low PPI may still look good from a distance, but not up close. Ensure your image matches your intended print size without distorting the pixels. To make this easier, you can download free templates directly from our Instant Quote Calculator and use them as a guide when setting up your design. Alternatively, try our free Design Online tool, which automatically creates print-ready files that match your chosen dimensions and meet our printing guidelines.

2. File Format

Print-friendly formats, such as PDFs, ensure that fonts, images, and layout remain consistent across all devices and platforms. At Mixam, we recommend using PDF files for best results. However, you can also upload a wide variety of file types—from PNG files to TIFFs—depending on what works best for your design setup.

3. Compression

Too much compression can reduce image quality and make edges look soft or blocky. To keep your design sharp, always save your print files with minimal or no compression.

4. Colour Mode

Use CMYK for print instead of RGB. This ensures the colours you see on screen translate accurately to paper.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How does PPI differ from DPI?

PPI (pixels per inch) refers to the resolution of your digital image. DPI (dots per inch) refers to how many ink dots a printer places on the page. While they’re related, they are not the same. Read more in our DPI vs. PPI guide.

How many pixels per inch is 1920×1080?

It depends on the size you want to print. For example:

• At 6.4 × 3.6 inches, 1920×1080 equals 300 PPI (high resolution)
  
   
• At 10 × 5.6 inches, it’s 192 PPI
  
   
• At 20 × 11.3 inches, it’s 96 PPI
   

To calculate PPI: divide pixel dimensions by print dimensions in inches.

Is 72 PPI the same as 300 DPI?

No. 72 PPI is a screen resolution and is too low for most printed work. 300 DPI refers to how many dots a printer lays down and is typically paired with a 300 PPI file for optimal quality. Files set to 72 PPI will usually print blurry or soft.

Does higher PPI mean better quality?

Yes, up to a point. A higher PPI means more detail and sharper print results. For most products, 300 PPI is the recommended setting. Anything above that usually doesn’t improve the visible print quality but may increase file size unnecessarily.
 

Conclusion: Final Tips and Print-Ready Guidelines

Understanding PPI is crucial for achieving excellent print results. It controls how sharp your images look, how clear your text appears, and how professional your final product feels.

Use 300 PPI for all print projects, as this setting provides the optimal balance of detail and quality.

Before uploading your files, check the resolution and ensure your artwork aligns with your intended print size to avoid delays and costly reprints.

To dive deeper into book design and layout, our free Book Printing Guide offers step-by-step insights on everything from file setup to book promotion tips. And once your book is complete, take a look at our PrintLink Guide to learn how you can sell your work on demand, without upfront costs or inventory.