1. charlotte’s web studios®
Image Resolution
Image Resolution for Web Design & Print Design Projects
When graphic designers and printers start talking about image resolution, most client's eyes start to glaze over.
While it's true that image resolution sounds complicated and tricky (and it certainly can be!), understanding a
few simple concepts about image resolution can make communicating with your graphic designer or printer a bit
easier, and can make your next print design project go more smoothly.
So, what is resolution exactly?
In very simple terms, an image's resolution is measured by the number of pixels or dots per the unit of printed
size in the image. When talking about screen images, resolution is stated in pixels per inch (ppi), and when
talking about printed images, it's stated in dots per inch (dpi). Why, you ask? Simple ... screens use pixels and
printers use dots.
A pixel (or Picture Element) is simply a dot of color. When you put all of the pixels (or dots of color) together,
you get the full image. A 100 x 100 pixel image is actually comprised of 10,000 individual pixels that, when
viewed together as a whole, make up the image. The more pixels an image contains, the more detail that image
will have and the more "crisp" it will appear.
Images for the Web: 72 dpi
Most computer monitors display a maximum of 72 dpi. Therefore, when preparing images for use on a website,
72 dpi at final screen size is the norm. When it comes to web, you want your images to be as small in file size
as possible so that your pages load as quickly as possible. Reducing the resolution to 72 dpi will help to get
your images as small in size as possible. Of course, you can put up higher resolution images on a website, but
keep in mind that the more resolution an image has, the larger it's file size will be and the longer it will take to
download and display on a web page.
Images for Print: 300 dpi
In print projects, resolution is key. If the images that you include in a print project do not have high enough
resolution, they will appear fuzzy, jagged, or blurry. Most professional printers require a minimum of 300 dpi for
all images at the final print size. However, some printers require even higher resolution, so it's always a good
idea to check with your printer on their recommended printing resolution. Generally, the higher the resolution of
your image is, the better the quality of the image will be when printed.
Set Your Site on the Future®
© Charlotte’s Web Studios, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

2. charlotte’s web studios®
Scanning Images or Digital Photos
You can certainly scan images or take photos with a digital camera for use in both a website and in print. The
key is keeping in mind what physical size the images will need to be and the final resolution needed (for
example, a 5"x7" photo @ 300 dpi in a print piece, or a 300 x 500 pixel image @ 72 dpi for a website, etc.).
If in doubt, don't know the final size, or think you'd like to use the image in both print and on the web, it's better
to scan or shoot the image at a high resolution and downsize it later, if needed. Remember that, when it comes
to resolution and size, you can't easily increase resolution, you can only decrease it.
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Charlotte’s Web Studios, L.L.C. (CWS) is a digital design studio offering web design and web development, hosting & maintenance, content
development & editing, cd rom design & development, cd duplication, cd replication, video production, graphic & print design, & large
format design & production. Contact CWS for more information about our professional web design, graphic and print design, or video and
multimedia services.
Set Your Site on the Future®
© Charlotte’s Web Studios, L.L.C. All rights reserved.