INTRODUCTION
You’ve designed the perfect artwork.
The colours look vibrant on screen.
The logo is sharp.
The layout is flawless.
Then it gets printed
And it looks blurry. Dull. Cheap.
Here’s the twist:
Most printing problems don’t come from bad printers.
They come from wrong quality settings.
And what most business owners don’t realise is this:
If your print quality is wrong, your brand instantly loses credibility.
Let’s fix that.
What Does “Best Quality for Printing” Actually Mean?
When we talk about the best quality for printing, we’re referring to three key factors:
- Resolution (DPI)
- Colour Mode
- Paper & Material Quality
If even one of these is wrong, the final result suffers.
1️⃣ Best Resolution for Printing (DPI)
What DPI Is Best for Printing?
300 DPI (Dots Per Inch) is the professional standard.
✔ Sharp images
✔ Clear text
✔ High-detail graphics
Anything below 150 DPI often looks pixelated when printed.
Quick Guide
| DPI | Result |
|---|---|
| 72 DPI | Web only (blurry in print) |
| 150 DPI | Basic flyers (low detail) |
| 300 DPI | Professional printing standard |
| 600 DPI | High-end detailed print work |
💡 If you remember one thing: Use 300 DPI minimum for professional print.
2️⃣ Best Colour Mode for Printing
RGB vs CMYK
Here’s the mistake most people make:
Designing in RGB (for screens) and sending it to print.
Professional printing uses CMYK colour mode.
Why?
Because printing uses ink, not light.
| Colour Mode | Used For |
|---|---|
| RGB | Digital screens |
| CMYK | Printing |
If you send RGB files to print, colours may appear dull or inaccurate.
3️⃣ Best File Format for Printing
For high-quality printing, use:
✔ PDF (Print Ready)
✔ AI (Adobe Illustrator)
✔ EPS
✔ High-resolution TIFF
Avoid:
❌ Low-quality JPEGs
❌ Screenshots
❌ Social media downloads
Always export with:
- 300 DPI
- CMYK colour mode
- Bleed settings included
4️⃣ Best Paper Quality for Printing
Print quality isn’t just about the file it’s also about the material.
Common Paper Types
✔ Glossy Paper – Vibrant colours, photos
✔ Matte Paper – Elegant, less glare
✔ Silk Paper – Professional finish
✔ Uncoated Paper – Natural feel
✔ Thick GSM Card (300–400gsm) – Premium business cards
Higher GSM = thicker, more premium feel.
5 Benefits of Choosing the Right Print Quality
1️⃣ Sharp Design → Avoids Blurry Branding
Low DPI ruins logos instantly.
2️⃣ Accurate Colours → Prevents Brand Mismatch
Wrong colour mode damages brand consistency.
3️⃣ Premium Feel → Avoids Cheap Perception
Thin paper feels unprofessional.
4️⃣ Longer Lasting Prints → Saves Reprint Costs
High-quality ink & paper last longer.
5️⃣ Strong First Impression → Builds Trust
Professional materials increase perceived value.
This is authority bias in action people judge quality fast.
The #1 Mistake Businesses Make
They design for Instagram then send the same file to print.
Big mistake.
Print requires:
- Higher resolution
- Different colour mode
- Bleed margins
If you ignore these, your competitor’s materials will simply look better.
And clients notice.
Best Quality Settings Summary
If you want the safest professional standard:
✔ 300 DPI resolution
✔ CMYK colour mode
✔ PDF print-ready file
✔ 3mm bleed
✔ High-quality paper (minimum 170gsm for flyers, 300gsm for cards)
Follow this and you eliminate 90% of printing issues.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Poor Quality Undermine Your Brand
Before:
You print materials that look “okay.”
After:
You print materials that look premium, sharp, and trustworthy.
The difference isn’t luck.
It’s quality control.
If you’re investing in business printing, brochures, packaging or promotional items get the technical setup right before production.
Because once it’s printed it’s permanent.