Physical size and effective PPI

Pixels and physical size

Effective PPI is the number of source pixels across an area divided by its size in inches. A 1,800-pixel-wide image placed six inches wide has 300 PPI. The same image placed twelve inches wide has 150 PPI.

Choose the size first

Set the intended physical width and height, then review the result. Increasing output pixels does not restore detail missing from the original image.

Check the destination

Ask your printer for its size, resolution and file requirements. Artwork size, placement and a printer’s required profile are separate choices.