Image Print Quality
Getting Started
Want your artwork or documents to look great in print? You're in good hands. At LetterStream, we use high-tech, professionally maintained equipment to ensure your images and documents come out beautifully. Still, the final print quality depends largely on the quality of your original file.
In This Article
- How to Test Your Artwork Quality
- Tips for Best Results
- Preferred File Types and Sizes
- Scanning Guidelines
How to Test Your Artwork Quality
Option 1: Print Test
- Print your artwork on a standard office printer.
- If it looks sharp and clean, it'll likely look even better on our machines.
- If it appears fuzzy, pixelated, foggy, or speckled, it may print even worse through our high-resolution systems, which can exaggerate image flaws.
Option 2: Zoom Test
- Open your file on a computer and zoom in to 400%.
- If it still looks sharp and clear, your artwork is likely high-quality enough for printing.
Tips for Best Results
- Avoid emailing or texting images, as many apps compress them and reduce quality.
- Use file-sharing tools to maintain original quality.
- Make sure your images are not screenshots or low-resolution copies.
Preferred File Types and Sizes
- Larger files are generally better. While a big file doesn’t guarantee quality, it usually indicates more detail.
- PDF is preferred, but make sure it’s saved at print-quality resolution (at least 300 DPI).
Scanning Guidelines
If scanning a physical image or document:
- Place the item squarely on the scanner bed and align it properly.
- Use highest quality settings available on your scanner.
- Save as a high-resolution PDF or image file.