Blog / Low Resolution Images

Low Resolution Images

Oct 22, 2024

How to fix smaller images before ordering prints?

When you’re excited to use Jiffy Transfers or Stickers, but your artwork is low resolution, the results might not be as sharp or vibrant as you'd like. The good news is, there are some steps you can take to remedy that. Here’s a guide to ensure your images look vivid and clear, helping you achieve the best possible quality for your custom orders.

Understanding DPI

Before diving into the solutions, let’s talk about DPI (Dots Per Inch). This is a measure of how many dots of color an image contains per inch when printed. The higher the DPI, the clearer and more detailed the image will be. For Jiffy Transfers and Stickers, a DPI of 300 is the golden standard. This resolution ensures that your designs print in high-quality with sharp lines, vibrant colors, and no pixelation.

Quick Tip: If you’re planning to print your design in multiple sizes, always export your image at the largest size to maintain the best quality across all variations.

There are many image editing programs out there these days. Below, we've outlined the steps you can take to enhance your image quality using some of the most common editing platforms.

1. Photoshop

If you're using Photoshop, here’s how to enhance your image:

  • Open your image.
  • Go to Image > Image Size.
  • Ensure Resample is checked and enter 300 DPI in the resolution field.
  • Adjust the dimensions to your desired size in inches or pixels.
  • Save the file in a format like PNG for optimal results.

2. Illustrator

For vector-based designs in Illustrator:

  • Select the image and go to Effect > Document Raster Effects Settings.
  • Set the resolution to 300 DPI.
  • Save your file in PNG format for the best printing output.

3. Canva

Canva is popular for quick and easy design:

  • Create or open your design and adjust the dimensions.
  • Once ready to download, select PNG as the file type for a higher-quality export.
  • Canva defaults to web resolution, so choose the largest size possible for better print quality.

4. Procreate

For those designing in Procreate:

  • Start by creating a canvas with 300 DPI.
  • Customize the canvas size based on your design's needs.
  • Export your image as PNG for best results in print.

5. Cricut Design Space

Cricut is great for DIY projects, but low-resolution images can lead to fuzzy prints:

  • When importing images, ensure they are already at 300 DPI.
  • Resize cautiously to maintain quality and always choose “Print Then Cut” for designs meant for transfers or stickers.

6. Inkscape

Inkscape is another great tool for vector designs:

  • After creating your artwork, go to File > Export PNG Image.
  • Set the DPI to 300 in the export settings before saving your file.

Common Issues & Solutions

  • Downloaded Images: If your image is downloaded from the web and is low resolution, improving its DPI can be challenging. In many cases, you may need to find a higher-quality version or contact the creator for a higher resolution file. Never save a thumbnail to use in printing, no matter how clear it may look on your screen.
  • Designer Files: If you’ve purchased the design from a third party, reach out to the designer to request a 300 DPI version for the best printing results.
  • DIY Designs: If you created the design yourself, adjust the DPI in your design tool using the instructions provided above.
If the quality still isn’t where you need it to be, don’t worry! Jiffy Designs has you covered with over 14 million print-ready designs to choose from. Each one is already optimized for high-quality printing, so you can skip the hassle of improving your own image and feel confident in the final product.

Key Takeaways

  • Always work with 300 DPI for crisp, vivid prints on Jiffy Transfers and Stickers.
  • When in doubt, export your design at the largest size needed to maintain quality across multiple sizes.
  • Use PNG files for the best printing quality.

If you’re unsure how to increase the resolution of your artwork in your preferred tool, feel free to reach out to our award winning Customer Support Team via Live Chat or email orders@jiffy.com. We’re here to help ensure your designs look flawless every time.

Happy creating!