For raster images, aim for about 300 DPI at the final printed size. Use CMYK where your design software supports it. Product-specific rules for bleed, margins, crop marks, page order and file type always come first.

🖼️ Why 300 DPI matters

• Screenshots, social-media images and small web graphics can look clear on screen but turn soft or pixelated when enlarged for print.
• Changing the DPI number alone does not restore missing detail.
• Vector logos stay sharp at any size, but photographs and other raster images still need enough resolution at the size they print.

🎨 Why CMYK matters

Phones and monitors display RGB light, while printing uses ink. Some bright RGB colours cannot be reproduced exactly. Preparing in CMYK makes the likely shift easier to judge, but it cannot guarantee an exact screen-to-print match. See RGB vs CMYK.

❓ Frequently asked questions

I only have a small image. Can I scale it up?

Scaling up does not add detail. Use a higher-resolution original or a vector version.

Do I need 300 DPI for a vector logo?

No. Vectors scale cleanly. For branded notebooks we need vector artwork. See branded notebook artwork requirements.

👉 Related guides and next steps

• Back to artwork and file preparation: start here
• Print-ready PDF checklist · artwork mistake after checkout
• Questions? Email support@valenna.co.za or use the contact form.