72 or 300 dpi - For print at home?

[11acts]

All scrapkits are made in 300 dpi, but I see some sell printable`s and they are 72 dpi.

My printer is broken, so I can`t test this myself.

[Just Plain Kristi]

minimum resolution for home printing is 200ppi...but ppi is an expression of a ratio. In other words, an 8x8 image at 300ppi is the same size as a 12x12 at 200 ppi (2400x2400 because 12x200=2400 as does 8x300) so what's important is the total number of pixels. So if you are seeing 72ppi kits, look and see if they show up as huge images (50"x50"!) and if the pixels are still correct (3600x3600 is pretty much standard size.)

If the kit is actually low resolution and is 12" at 72ppi I would totally contact the store and complain. HTH!

Kristi

[11acts]

Ty, sweetie, I`m impressed with all your knowledge.

[wendyzine]

It really depends on the resolution of your printer. Most inkjets won't do any better above 150ppi, but 72ppi, IMO, is too low. If you have a laser printer, you might have higher quality than 150, more like 200. But, 300ppi is really only needed for commercial presses or photo printers, etc.

[alamama]

I print my 8x8's at 300dpi.

[krystalhartley]

Also depends on your project. I do a lot of my hybrid projects at 150-200 because I don't need photo quality for just papers and elements. (My original items are at 300, but I use a lower resolution canvas to create the printable project.) I always go full resolution for photos and use a high-quality paper, as well.

And for the record, most (if not all) of your Microsoft Office apps are going to print at 72. I don't know how many of you have imported clipart files into your apps long before learning image editing software, but I know I did. I made and sold/gifted countless cards and other little printables and I never thought my clipart sucked because of the resolution.