In order for photos to be printed at a very high quality, they must have a high resolution. Pictures on the internet are low resolution, so they are unable to be used for print.The ideal resolution needed to print clear images is around 300dpi. An image of 300dpi contains much more ink per square inch than one of 72dpi usually used on websites, so the print quality will be much higher. In order to determine whether your picture’s resolution is high enough for print, look at the size of the JPEG:
- If the JPEG is less than 250kb, it will only be suitable for use on screen.
- 250kb-500kb might be usable as a small thumbnail
- 500kb-1mb usable up to A7 (one eighth of an A4 sheet)
- 1mb-1.5mb up to A6 (one quarter of A4)
- 5mb – 2mb up to A5 (half A4)
- 5mb up to A4
- 6mb+ A3 or over
At Family Life Publications, we have an on-staff photographer to help advertisers keep their ads fresh and inviting. Photography is complimentary for use in our magazines.
Sources:
https://hullabaloo.co.uk/blog/high-res-low-res-make-sure-digital-images-suitable-print/
https://www.nema.org/Communications/EI/Product-Showcase/Pages/What-is-a-High-Resolution-Image.aspx
https://www.longwoods.com/articles/images/LW_AG_HighResPhoto.pdf