How DPI Affects Print Quality

DPI directly influences the visual outcome of a printed design.

Image Sharpness

Higher DPI values allow more detail to be printed in a smaller area, resulting in sharper lines, smoother curves, and clearer images.

Colour Blending

Adequate DPI ensures smooth colour transitions and gradients, particularly in photographic or complex artwork.

Edge Definition

Low DPI images can appear pixelated or blurry, especially when printed at larger sizes.

For professional garment printing, artwork must be supplied at an appropriate DPI to avoid quality issues during production.

Recommended DPI for Garment Printing

Different printing methods require different DPI considerations.

Screen Printing

Screen printing does not rely solely on DPI in the same way as digital printing, but artwork should still be prepared at 300 DPI at final print size to ensure clean separations and sharp detail.

DTG (Direct-to-Garment) Printing

DTG printing requires high-resolution artwork, typically 300 DPI, to accurately reproduce fine detail and colour variation on fabric.

Dye Sublimation

Sublimation printing also performs best with artwork supplied at 300 DPI, particularly for full-colour and all-over designs.

Supplying artwork below these standards may result in visible quality loss on the finished garment.

DPI vs Image Size

DPI must always be considered in relation to image dimensions.

Small Images Enlarged

A low-resolution image may look acceptable on screen but become pixelated when scaled up for printing.

Final Print Size

Artwork should always be supplied at the intended print size and correct DPI, rather than relying on enlargement during production.

This is especially important for logos, text-heavy designs, and branding elements where clarity is essential.

DPI and Fabric Considerations

While higher DPI improves image clarity, fabric type can influence how much detail is visible.

• Smooth fabrics such as tightly woven cotton show finer detail more clearly.
• Textured or fleecy garments may soften fine details regardless of DPI.
• Dark garments may require additional preparation to maintain clarity and contrast.

Professional printers account for these factors when assessing artwork quality.

Common DPI Misconceptions

DPI is often misunderstood in garment printing.

Screen Resolution vs Print Resolution

Images taken from websites or social media are typically 72 DPI, which is unsuitable for printing.

Increasing DPI Digitally

Simply changing a file’s DPI without increasing actual image resolution does not improve print quality.

Understanding these limitations helps prevent delays and redesigns.

Why DPI Matters in Professional Printing

DPI is a foundational concept in delivering high-quality custom apparel. Supplying correctly sized, high-resolution artwork ensures accurate reproduction, a professional finish, and consistent branding. For Australian businesses investing in custom garment printing, understanding DPI helps achieve reliable, print-ready results every time.