INTRODUCTION
You’ve designed a stunning poster but here’s the problem:
Many people use the wrong image type for printing and end up with blurry, pixelated, or faded results.
Here’s the twist most designers don’t realise:
Choosing the right image type and resolution is critical for a professional-looking print.
And if you get it wrong, your poster could look amateur even if your design is amazing.
Let’s break it down so your posters always come out crisp, vibrant, and professional.
Raster vs Vector: Know the Difference
Raster Images
- Made up of pixels
- Common formats: JPEG, PNG, TIFF
- Best for photographs and detailed images
- Resolution matters: low-resolution raster = blurry posters
Vector Images
- Made of lines and shapes, not pixels
- Common formats: AI, EPS, SVG, PDF
- Scales to any size without losing quality
- Ideal for logos, text-heavy designs, and illustrations
Rule of thumb:
- Photos → Raster
- Logos & Graphics → Vector
Best Image Formats for Poster Printing
| Format | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TIFF | High-quality photos | Lossless, excellent for professional print |
| JPEG | Photos | Compressed, smaller files, maintain high resolution (300 DPI+) |
| PNG | Graphics with transparency | Avoid for large posters due to large file size |
| Mixed content | Supports both raster & vector, widely accepted by printers | |
| EPS / AI | Vector designs, logos | Perfect for sharp lines and scalable graphics |
Recommended Resolution for Posters
Resolution is key to avoiding pixelation:
- Standard Posters (A3, A2): 150–300 DPI
- Large Posters (A1, A0): 300 DPI preferred
- Vector graphics: DPI not a concern — they scale perfectly
Tip: Always provide the printer with the highest resolution file possible.
Colour Profiles & Printing Tips
- CMYK mode for printing (not RGB)
- Ensure fonts are embedded or outlined
- Check bleed and margin requirements for your printer
- Use high-quality images; upscaling low-res photos leads to blur
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using low-resolution JPEGs from websites
❌ Ignoring vector files for logos and text
❌ Forgetting to convert RGB to CMYK
❌ Resizing raster images too much
The #1 mistake: thinking screen-quality images (72 DPI) will work for print they won’t.
Expert Recommendations
- Photos → TIFF or high-res JPEG (300 DPI)
- Logos / Text → Vector PDF or EPS
- Mixed designs → Print-ready PDF
- Always check with your printer for preferred file type
Final Thoughts
The best image type for poster printing depends on your content:
- Photographs → high-resolution TIFF or JPEG
- Graphics & logos → vector formats like PDF or EPS
- Mixed content → print-ready PDF
Using the right image type ensures your poster looks professional, crisp, and vibrant, saving you time, money, and frustration.
👉 Ready to create high-quality printed posters for your business? Contact Social Media Max today for professional print guidance. Don’t wait your competitors won’t.