Do not index
Do not index
Welcome, designers! If you're diving into the world of high-quality prints, understanding DPI (dots per inch) is crucial for getting those crisp, clear images in your final products. Here’s your ultimate guide to mastering DPI with Print for Figma.
Understanding DPI in PDFs
First things first, let’s clear up a common misconception: PDFs don’t have a single DPI value.
Instead, each image and object within the PDF has its own DPI. This means you need to pay attention to the DPI of each individual element to ensure overall quality. If you're familiar with other software that allows you to set one DPI for the entire file, here's a fun fact: it's actually adjusting the resolution of each image in your file to as close to 300 dpi as possible. Cool, right?
With Print for Figma, you have more control. Some images might be higher or lower resolution (DPI) than others. This can actually be advantageous, as small decorative images don't need to as high DPI as your featured images.
Steps to Create a 300 DPI File with Print for Figma
Step 1: Skip the "DPI Scaling" option
- Many people accidentally set the DPI Scaling to 300 when creating pages in Print for Figma. This setting does not make your file 300 DPI. As we mentioned earlier, its images that have DPI, not the page itself. Instead, what this setting does is scale the dimensions of your page up so that it can squished/scaled back down to the proper size in an external program, a workflow that is only needed in rare cases. Skip this setting if all you want is a 300 DPI file.
Step 2: Open the DPI Tab
- Once you've created your pages and finished your design, navigate to the DPI tab within the Print for Figma plugin. This nifty feature will allow you to get an estimate of the DPI for each image in your file.
Step 3: Check Each Image Individually
- With the DPI tab open, click on each image in your design to check it's DPI.
Step 4: Adjust as Needed
- Consult with your printer to determine how strict you need to be with your DPI requirements. Sometimes 300 DPI can be overkill, while other times it’s necessary for the best results.
- Adjust your images accordingly. If you need a higher DPI, you either have to scale the image down within Figma, or replace its fill with bigger source image. If you want a lower DPI, you can enable downsampling when exporting, or replace the fill with a smaller source image.
Pro Tip: Balance Quality and File Size
- Remember, higher DPI means larger file sizes. Finding a balance between image quality and file size will ensure your projects remain efficient and easy to work with. In fact, the reason why Figma has a reputation for producing large PDF files, is because it leaves DPI management up to the designer.
Why Does This Matter?
Ensuring each element within your PDF meets the desired DPI standards is key to producing professional, high-quality prints. By using Print for Figma’s DPI tab, you can easily monitor and adjust your images to meet these standards without overwhelming your file with unnecessary high DPI settings.
So, go ahead and create those stunning print designs with confidence. With these steps, you’ll ensure every detail is as sharp and beautiful as you envisioned. Happy designing!
For more tips and tricks, or if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our support team. We're here to help you make the most of your creative journey!
