300 DPI Complete Guide
300 DPI remains the most common professional print target for photos, brochures, product inserts, and business collateral.
This guide explains how DPI relates to pixel dimensions, when resampling helps, and how to prepare files correctly for print output.
Table of Contents
What 300 DPI Means
DPI means dots per inch in print. A 300 DPI target tells printers how densely to place ink dots, which affects perceived sharpness. For most close-view print jobs, 300 DPI is the standard balance between quality and manageable file size.
When to Use 300 DPI
Use 300 DPI for brochures, business cards, flyers, and standard photo prints. Large posters or banners can use lower DPI when viewed from distance. Always match DPI with final output dimensions rather than changing metadata blindly.
Pixel Size Math for Print
Use this rule:
Required pixels = print inches × target DPI
Example: an 8 × 10 inch print at 300 DPI needs 2400 × 3000 pixels. If your source image is smaller, upscaling may be needed but cannot fully recreate missing detail.
How to Convert to 300 DPI
- Check current dimensions and DPI metadata.
- Set target to 300 DPI in the converter.
- Verify output pixel dimensions for final print size.
- Export and validate with a DPI checker before print submission.
FAQ
Is 300 DPI always required?
No. It is ideal for close-view print, but large-format prints can use lower DPI based on viewing distance.
Does changing DPI increase quality?
Not by itself. Real quality comes from sufficient pixel dimensions and clean source images.
Can I convert JPG and PNG files to 300 DPI?
Yes, both formats support DPI metadata workflows for print preparation.