What DPI Do Print-on-Demand Platforms Actually Use?

The short answer: Most POD platforms require 300 DPI, but the full picture is more nuanced.

The 300 DPI Standard

Most print-on-demand platforms — including Printful, Printify, and similar services — specify 300 DPI as their standard requirement. This is based on the print industry standard for high-quality output.

Why 300 DPI?

At 300 DPI, the human eye can't distinguish individual dots at normal viewing distances. This creates the appearance of smooth, continuous tones — essential for professional-looking prints.

Platform Variations

While 300 DPI is common, requirements can vary:

• Standard products (t-shirts, mugs, posters): 300 DPI
• Large format (banners, wall art): 150-200 DPI (acceptable because viewing distance is greater)
• Fabric printing: 300 DPI minimum, sometimes higher for fine details

Product-Specific Requirements

Different products have different needs:

• T-shirts: 300 DPI for print area (typically 15" × 18")
• Posters: 300 DPI for standard sizes, 150-200 DPI for very large formats
• Mugs: 300 DPI for the print area (typically 4.25" × 4.25")
• Phone cases: 300 DPI minimum

DPI vs. Pixel Dimensions

Important: DPI alone isn't enough. You need the correct pixel dimensions.

For example, a 15" × 18" t-shirt at 300 DPI requires:

• Width: 15 × 300 = 4,500 pixels
• Height: 18 × 300 = 5,400 pixels

A 300 DPI image that's only 1000 × 1000 pixels won't work for this product.

Common Misconceptions

1. "Any 300 DPI image works" — False. You need correct pixel dimensions too.
2. "Higher DPI is always better" — Not necessarily. Platforms have maximum file size limits.
3. "72 DPI is fine if the pixels are right" — Some platforms check DPI metadata and reject files.

The Solution: Automated Preparation

POD Prep handles:

• Platform-specific DPI requirements
• Correct pixel dimensions for each product
• DPI metadata embedding
• Format optimization

Manual Calculation

If preparing manually, use this formula:

Required Pixels = Product Size (inches) × DPI

Then verify:

• File dimensions match requirements
• DPI metadata is set correctly
• File format is accepted by platform

Testing Your Files

Before ordering large quantities:

1. Check platform specifications for your exact product
2. Verify pixel dimensions match requirements
3. Confirm DPI metadata is set correctly
4. Order a test print to verify quality

Conclusion

While 300 DPI is the standard, successful POD printing requires matching both DPI and pixel dimensions to platform specifications. Using a preparation tool ensures accuracy without manual calculations.

POD Prep prepares files based on published platform specifications. Final print results depend on the print provider.