In the Philippines, printing is a huge part of everyday business. Whether you’re opening a small food stall, joining a bazaar, upgrading your store signage, or launching a new product, printed materials are one of the first things customers notice. And if the print looks blurry, faded, or “bitin sa linaw,” it can instantly make your brand look less professional — even if your actual product or service is excellent.

That’s why understanding DPI matters.
Don’t worry — you don’t need to be a designer or tech expert. DPI is simply about how clear and sharp your print will look once it’s produced. And in a fast-paced, competitive market like ours, where businesses fight for attention on busy streets, malls, and online platforms, good print quality can make all the difference.

At BesCost Printing, we want Filipino entrepreneurs to feel proud every time they see their brand on a sticker, banner, or signage. So here’s a simple, easy-to-read guide to help you understand DPI — and how it affects the quality of every print you order.

What Is DPI? A Simple Guide for Better, Sharper Prints | BesCost Printing

When you’re ordering prints — whether stickers, posters, tarpaulins, or signage — you’ll often hear the term DPI. It sounds technical, but don’t worry. We’ll keep it simple.

At BesCost Printing, we explain things in a way that helps you make smarter choices for your business. So here’s everything you need to know about DPI, how it affects print quality, and how to choose the right settings for your project.

What Is DPI?

DPI stands for dots per inch.
It measures how many tiny dots of ink a printer places in every inch of your artwork.

Think of it like this:

• More dots = clearer and sharper prints

• Fewer dots = blurry or pixelated prints

This is why DPI is important — it directly affects how clean and professional your final output looks.

Why DPI Matters for Your Business

Every printed material represents your brand. When the quality is sharp, customers instantly see you as more trustworthy and professional.

A high DPI helps:

• Make text crisp and easy to read

• Keep logos and photos clear

• Prevent blurry edges

• Improve overall print quality

This is especially important for business cards, menus, product labels, posters, banners, and store signage — the things that customers see first.

Common DPI Settings (and When to Use Them)

Here’s a quick guide you can follow:

✔ 72 DPI – For screens only

• Used for images meant for websites, social media, or online previews

• Not recommended for printing

• Will look pixelated when enlarged

✔ 150 DPI – Good for large prints viewed from afar

Best for:

• Tarpaulins

• Outdoor banners

• Event backdrops

• Billboards

These prints are meant to be viewed from a distance, so a lower DPI is acceptable.

✔ 300 DPI – Best for small prints viewed up close

Best for:

• Business cards

• Flyers and brochures

• Menu cards

• Product packaging and labels

• Stickers

• Photobooks

300 DPI gives clean, sharp detail — perfect for items customers will hold and inspect.

✔ 600 DPI and above – For artwork with very fine detail

Used for:

• Logos with thin lines

• High-end posters

• Art prints

• Detailed graphics

Not always necessary, but helpful for complex designs.

How DPI Works with Image Size

Even if your image is high DPI, it can still look blurry if the pixel size is too small.

Here’s a rule of thumb:

Bigger print = Bigger original file needed

If you stretch a small image into a huge banner, it will lose quality.

Tip:
Before printing, make sure your file is the right size for the actual print dimensions. BesCost can help recommend the correct size if you’re unsure.

How to Check Your Image DPI

On your computer:

• Windows: Right-click → Properties → Details

• Mac: Right-click → Get Info

• Photoshop/Canva: Check document settings

If you’re not sure, just send us your file. Our team will check the quality for free and let you know if it’s print-ready.

What Happens If DPI Is Too Low?

If DPI is too low, your prints may appear:

• Blurry

• Pixelated

• Grainy

• Washed out

• Unprofessional

To avoid this, BesCost always recommends the ideal DPI for each type of output, based on your material and print size.

What Happens If DPI Is Too High?

High DPI = better quality, but…

• It makes files bigger

• It slows down export and uploading

• It doesn’t always improve quality for items viewed from afar (like tarps)

For example:
A 600 DPI tarp is unnecessary — 150 DPI is enough because people view it from a distance.

The goal is to match the DPI to the purpose of the print.

DPI Recommendations by BesCost

Print Type Recommended DPI Business Cards 300 DPI Menus & Brochures 300 DPI Product Labels & Stickers 300 DPI Posters (small) 300 DPI Posters (large) 150–200 DPI Tarpaulin 150 DPI Store Signage (Acrylic, Aluminum, Backlit) 150–300 DPI Photobooks 300 DPI Roll-up Banners 150 DPI

These settings are based on BesCost’s actual print standards and machinery, ensuring the best results every time.

How BesCost Ensures High Quality Prints

With BesCost, you don’t have to guess.
Before printing, we check:

• DPI

• Resolution

• File size

• Color accuracy

• Material compatibility

• Output scaling

This ensures your final print comes out clean, sharp, and business-ready.

If something in your file needs adjustment, our team gives clear recommendations — no jargon, no confusion.

Final Tips to Get the Best Prints

• Use 300 DPI for anything viewed up close

• Use 150 DPI for big outdoor prints

• Always export in PNG, PDF, or TIFF for clear results

• Avoid screenshots (they’re low DPI)

• Ask BesCost to check your files before printing

Need Help? Send Us Your File

If you’re unsure about your DPI or print size, BesCost is here to help.
Upload your artwork or message us directly — we’ll guide you on the best settings so your brand looks sharp, clear, and professional.