Printer resolution

Printer resolution

Printer resolution is measured in dpi—a higher dpi value results in finer printed output. Most inkjet printers operate in the range of 720 to 2880 dpi. While printer resolution affects the sharpness of printed details, it isn't the same as image resolution. An image resolution of at least 220 pixels per inch (ppi) is usually sufficient to achieve high-quality photo prints on an inkjet printer.

Screen frequency

Screen frequency refers to the number of printer dots or halftone cells per inch to print grayscale images or color separations. Also called screen ruling or line screen, it’s measured in lines per inch (lpi). Higher output device resolutions allow for finer screen ruling, improving printed images' detail and tonal quality.

Relationship between image resolution and screen frequency

The balance between image resolution and screen frequency plays a key role in print quality. The image resolution should generally be 1.5 to 2 times the screen frequency for the best halftone results. Lower resolutions may still provide acceptable results in some cases, depending on the image and the printer being used.

Additional considerations

To determine your printer’s screen frequency, refer to its documentation or consult your print service provider. Some devices, such as image setters or 600-dpi laser printers, may use screening methods other than halftoning. For these printers, check the documentation or seek guidance on the recommended image resolutions for optimal output.