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

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.