If the resolution of my file is lower than 300 dpi. Can I increase it?

That depends on two factors… First of all you’ll need access to an imaging software application such as Photoshop, Adobe Elements, Gimp, etc.  Next, a basic understanding of resolution and its relationship to image editing needs to be understood.

If you don’t have access to imaging software please call us and we can determine whether your file resolution can be increased. If you have imaging software please continue.

A basic understanding of Resolution

Document Size x Resolution = File Size

File size is determined by the camera taking the image. (or the application used to create an image) and therefore it is a constant dictated by the capability of the camera or the preference settings used to take the picture. File size is a constant and should not be increased beyond the saved file size without degradation to image quality. The file size can never get bigger than the original, although it can get reduced in the process of uploading and emailing. Once the file size is reduced, it can never be increased again.

Since file size is a constant, document size and resolution are inversely proportional. In other words, as the resolution is increased, the document size gets proportionately smaller. For example if you have an image that is 8 x 10 inches at 72 dpi, the file size will be 1.19 megabytes. If you resize the image to 300 dpi which is required for printing, the file size is still 1.19 M, however the document size is now 1.92 x 2.4 inches.

How to check your image for the proper size and resolution in Photoshop

Go to the menu image and select image size. You will notice an item called “Pixel Dimensions” with a number appearing to the right.  For example, “Pixel Dimensions: 2.45M.” This number is the file size discussed above. It is a constant and should not be increased without degrading image quality.  Next, you will see three boxes that can be check marked: Scale Styles, Constrain Proportions, and Resample Image. Make sure that Constrain Proportions is the only box checked. (will lock the file size) You are now ready to perform either of the functions below.

If you are resizing your image, enter the width or height. The Resolution will auto calculate. If it is lower than 200, it is not fit to print. 300 dpi is ideal, and above that is a waste of file size.

If your image’s resolution is low and you want to increase it to a printable resolution, enter 300 into Resolution (200 is the minimum) and the width and height will auto calculate. If the size is too small then your image is not printable. If it is too large then refer to the paragraph above.