Spec
DPI
Dots per inch. The resolution measurement for raster images, with 300 DPI as the production standard.
Definition
DPI stands for dots per inch. It measures the resolution of a raster image at a given physical print size. Long Island DTF Printing requires 300 DPI at final print size for the cleanest production output. A 10-inch design submitted as a 3000-pixel-wide PNG meets that spec. Files at 150 DPI print noticeably softer with visible pixelation on type and edges. Files above 300 DPI are downsampled at intake with no benefit to quality. Vector files (SVG, AI, EPS, PDF) are resolution-independent and bypass the DPI requirement because they rasterize at any size on demand.
Related Terms
Resolution
The pixel density of a raster image, typically measured in DPI at the intended physical print size.
Print-Ready File
An artwork file that meets all the technical specifications required to send directly to the production press.
Rasterize
Convert a vector file into a pixel-based raster image at a specified resolution.
Vectorize
Convert a raster image into a vector file made of resolution-independent paths and shapes.