Your scale, image type, and resolution are compatible to large scale printing, but you want your quality color too. Just be sure to again let your printer know – that way, they can make recommendations to get you the best quality. This doesn’t mean you cannot include images that are lower DPI. While 150 DPI can work for some large format pieces, 300 DPI is the preferred image size. We recommended that all images be 300 DPI at the final size of the piece. Pixels per Inch (PPI) is the same measurement but is used in reference to raster images. Dots per Inch (DPI) are the number of individual dots that can be placed in a line within the span of 1 inch. Your printer warns about pixelation, but they also mention DPI. Vector images can be scaled limitlessly, which makes them perfect for a large format. Using mathematical calculations that form lines and shapes from one point to another, vector images don’t pixelate because the equation recalculates to accommodate zoom. Vector images, such as EPS and AI are what we recommend for large format printing. JPG, GIF and TIFF are examples of raster file formats. When scaled up, raster images can blur depending on the resolution, especially if you are designing at a percentage of the final print piece. Pixelation refers to the blurriness of a raster image when it is viewed at too high a magnification – like a large format print. Raster images are composed of pixels, those tiny squares that appear when zooming in too far – think old arcade games – P for Pac-Man. This is where that warning about pixelation comes into play. There are two types of images – raster and vector. When you’re scaling, you want to make sure your scale doesn’t tamper with your image quality. Miscommunication and mistakes can cause quality to slip in the final print. Your printer will scale the file proportionately larger to meet the final print size, so communicate your scale and print size with your printer to make sure you’re on the same page. The percentage you use depends on the final size. If the final output size is greater than the design program’s maximum dimensions, you’ll have to design your file at a percentage of the final print size – either 25%, 50% or 75%. InDesign’s maximum dimensions are 216 inches (18 feet) Illustrator’s are 227.5 inches (19 feet) and PowerPoint’s are 56 inches (4.5 feet). That being said, every graphic design programs has a different size limit. Designing to Scaleįirst off, the printing process will be much smoother, and less at-risk for mistakes, if you set your file up at full size. You need a poster, a banner, a schematic – and you’ve sent the design file to your large format printer, but you get an email back: “Your image must be 300 DPI or else it will be pixelated.” Sound familiar? If so, let’s break down what exactly your printer’s telling you – and what you need to consider to get the absolute best quality from your large format prints. Setting Up Design Files for Large Format Printing Tips to Avoid Blurry Images or Artwork
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