Calculating wether your image file is suitable for your desired print format is fairly easy. Below you find some valuable advice as well as example calculations:
1) First check whether your image may already look blurry on a sufficiently large screen (PC/Tablet/Laptop). If this is the case, you can assume that the print result will look blurry too.
2) Open your favorite image and zoom in to approximately the size you want it to be. Even if you are only shown a section, you now have an idea of how sharp your image details will be.
3) The file size says little about the quality of the resolution. The important thing here is the number of pixels in width and height of your original file. You can easily find this information by right-clicking on your file and opening the properties. Here you will find a "Details" tab, where this information is displayed under "Dimensions"
4) For a very good print result, we recommend at least 150 dpi (dots per inch).
Practical calculation example: Your image has 1024 x 957 pixels - Your desired format is 18 x 12 inch
Now divide the number of pixels in your file by the size of your desired format:
1024 pixels / 18 inch = 56,9 dpi (width) → value less than 150 dpi → format not suitable
957 pixels / 12 inch = 80 dpi (height) → value = less than 150 dpi → format not suitable
Conclusion: Your desired format is not suitable for the resolution of the image file
Calculating the format for best possible image quality: Your motif has 1024 x 957 pixels
Now divide the number of pixels in your file by a factor of 150
1024 pixels : 150 dpi = 6.8 inch (width)
957 pixels: 150 dpi = 6.4 inch (height)
Conclusion: Your optimum format is 6.8 x 6.4 inch
If you need further assistance with this topic, just contact our customer service team. We are here for you and always happy to help wherever we can!