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DPI vs PPI: The Practical Guide for Printing Posters

PPI = pixels per inch (your image).
DPI = dots per inch (the printer device).

For file prep, focus on PPI—that’s your pixel count divided by print inches. Use the Print Size Calculator or 300 DPI cheat-sheet to convert quickly.

What PPI do I need?

  • 300 PPI for close viewing (magazine, photo prints).
  • 150–200 PPI for wall posters and A-series seen from a distance. Check max sizes with Max Print Size (by MP).

How to hit the number

  1. Decide your paper size (e.g., A2).
  2. Multiply inches by target PPI → required pixels (calculator helps).
  3. If you’re short, upscale with PrintUpscale then export the exact size.

Common myths

Myth: “I must set 300 DPI in metadata.”
Reality: Export enough pixels; the metadata flag alone won’t invent detail.