How to prepare images for print at 300 PPI

Connect print dimensions, pixel count and safe areas before exporting.

1. Calculate the pixels you need

Multiply print width and height in inches by the required PPI. An 8 × 10 inch print at 300 PPI needs 2400 × 3000 pixels. Confirm the printer’s own specification before preparing the file.

2. Check the original image

Changing a resolution label alone does not add image detail. Enlarging a small source image can produce a softer print. Review it at the intended output size.

3. Keep important content inside the safe area

Position important text and artwork away from trim edges. Safe area and bleed serve different purposes; use the printer’s required margins and bleed specification.

4. Export and inspect

In Print Studio, set the dimensions and target resolution, position the artwork and review the safe area. Inspect the exported file and confirm its dimensions before submitting it to a printer.

Calculate the required pixels

Pixels = size in inches × PPI. Convert millimetres to inches by dividing by 25.4. A 100 × 150 mm image at 300 PPI needs approximately 1181 × 1772 pixels. An A4 page at 300 PPI needs approximately 2480 × 3508 pixels. These examples exclude any additional bleed requested by a print provider.

Understand PPI, DPI and source detail

PPI describes image pixels per inch at the chosen print size. Printer DPI describes the printer's dot output. Increasing a resolution setting cannot recreate detail missing from a low-resolution source image.

Check crop, safe area and bleed separately

Match the image composition to the final aspect ratio. Keep essential content within the safe area. Bleed is additional artwork beyond the trim edge; confirm its required size with the print provider rather than assuming a safe area supplies it.

Before sending the file to print

Confirm physical size, source detail, artwork placement, accepted format and any color requirements. Open the exported file and check scaling in the print dialog. Review a proof before a large or color-critical print run. For website images instead, use the image conversion workflow.