Details:

Images deemed "Acceptable" in quality exhibit a basic level of clarity and definition, suitable for instances where intricate detail is not paramount. This level of quality is adequate for everyday use, such as in-office decorations or standard print materials, where the viewing distance naturally mitigates the minor lack of sharpness. It represents a threshold of quality that meets general expectations without surpassing into the realm of high-definition artistry. While "Acceptable" quality images are permissible for orders, we encourage reaching out to us for a proofing consultation before placing your order to ensure the final product aligns with your expectations.

Low File Size Causes:

Below are some examples of things that can cause images to be low in resolution.

Image Sent Through Text Messaging:

Problem: Many messaging apps automatically compress images to speed up sending and reduce data usage.
Fix: Use email or cloud services with the settings configured to send the image in its original size and quality.

Resizing/Compression Option in Photo Editing Software:

Problem: Default export settings may include compression that reduces file size.
Fix: Adjust the export settings to select the maximum quality or turn off compression entirely. Always save a master copy in a lossless format.

Sending File Through Email Not at Original Size:

Problem: Email services might compress images as an attachment to save space.
Fix: Use the "send original size" option or a cloud service that allows for larger files to be shared without compromising quality.

Screenshot of an Image:

Problem: Screenshots capture the screen's resolution, which is typically much lower than the image's original resolution.
Fix: Obtain and use the original image file directly rather than a screenshot for printing.

Saving Images from Websites:

Problem: Images on websites are often already compressed for faster loading times, and saving these images can result in lower-quality prints.
Fix: Request the original, high-resolution files directly from the source rather than downloading from the website.

Automatic Cloud Backup Services:

Problem: Some cloud services compress images during the backup process to save space.
Fix: Check the backup settings and opt for services that allow for backing up at full resolution, or use specific photo backup services that prioritize quality.

Impact of Resizing Photos:

When you resize a photo in an image editing software like Photoshop, you can change the number of pixels in the image. This is known as resampling. Upscaling, or increasing the resolution, adds more pixels, which are generated by the software based on the existing pixels around them.

Upscaling/Resizing

If you upscale an image, you're asking the software to create new pixels. However, the software can only "guess" what color these new pixels should be based on surrounding pixels. This is called interpolation.
While the number of pixels increases, the actual detail that the original image captured does not. The software cannot create detail that wasn't in the original image; it can only approximate it based on what's already there.

Result on PPI Calculator

When you input this upscaled image into a PPI calculator, it would show an increased PPI because the calculator sees more pixels per inch due to the increased size of the image.
However, because these additional pixels were generated by estimation, they don't contribute to making the image clearer or more detailed in print. The print quality will not improve; in fact, it can often make the image look blurry or 'soft' because the actual detail is not increased.

Upscaling an image to artificially increase its size can mislead the PPI calculator into showing a higher PPI value. However, this does not reflect an improvement in actual print quality. The best practice is to use images at their native resolution, as this provides a true representation of how detailed the print will be.

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