Print Readiness Scanner

One question, one answer: can this photo be printed at the size you want? Checks your image against 9 standard print sizes — postcard to poster — and marks each pass or fail at 300 and 150 DPI.

Just want the numbers — pixels, DPI, megapixels and maximum print size? Use the Image Quality & Resolution Checker.

4,000+ images checked

Drag & drop a file here, or

JPG PNG WebP GIF BMP AVIF TIFF HEIC Max 50MB • Processed locally

DPI Analysis

Reads EXIF DPI and calculates effective print size at 300 DPI.

Size Calculator

Shows which standard print sizes your image supports.

Readiness Checklist

Pass/fail checks for resolution, format, and file weight.

DPI vs pixel dimensions

DPI (dots per inch) determines how many pixels are packed into each printed inch. At 300 DPI — the standard for professional printing — a 3000-pixel-wide image prints at 10 inches. The EXIF DPI tag is just metadata and doesn't change the actual pixel count. This tool calculates your real printable dimensions from pixel data, so you know exactly what sizes your image supports at different quality thresholds (72, 150, and 300 DPI). You can also check image DPI online for a quick calculation.

For photographers and designers

Before sending files to a print lab or uploading to a print-on-demand service, verify they meet the required size and resolution specifications. This avoids rejected orders, reprints, or poor-quality results with visible pixelation. The scanner shows maximum print dimensions at different DPI levels, flags images that fall below common thresholds, and suggests optimal print sizes based on the available pixel data.

Common print standards

Professional photo prints and magazines require 300 DPI. Posters and large-format prints viewed from a distance can use 150 DPI. Billboard and signage printing works at 72 DPI or lower because viewing distance compensates for lower density. The scanner evaluates your image against all three tiers and reports the maximum dimensions achievable at each quality level, along with common print size recommendations (4×6, 8×10, 11×14, 16×20, 24×36). Read our print readiness guide for detailed standards.

Print readiness vs quality analysis

Print readiness focuses on dimensions and DPI — can the image be printed at the desired size without pixelation? The Quality Analyzer evaluates sharpness, noise, compression artifacts, and overall image quality. For the best print results, use both: check that dimensions are sufficient and that the image is sharp enough to hold up in print. For full camera metadata, use the EXIF Checker.

One of the most common mistakes in print production is submitting images that look fine on screen but produce blurry or pixelated prints. Screen resolution (typically 72–96 DPI) is far lower than print resolution (300 DPI), so an image that fills a monitor may only print well at a fraction of the displayed size. The Print Readiness Scanner eliminates guesswork by calculating exact printable dimensions from actual pixel data. This is particularly valuable for photographers preparing gallery prints, designers creating marketing materials, and e-commerce sellers producing product catalogs. For image optimization beyond print, the image optimization hub covers web formats, compression, and quality tradeoffs. See also the print size calculator for specific paper format recommendations. If your image needs resizing for print, use the Image Resizer to set exact pixel dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What DPI do I need for printing?

300 DPI is the standard for high-quality photo printing. 150 DPI is acceptable for large posters viewed from a distance. Below 150 DPI, prints will appear pixelated or blurry.

Why does my image say 72 DPI but is still large?

DPI in EXIF metadata is just a tag — it does not change the actual pixel count. A 4000×3000 pixel image at 72 DPI has the same data as one at 300 DPI. What matters for print quality is total pixels, not the DPI tag. This tool calculates your effective print size from actual pixels.

What resolution do I need for an 8×10 print?

At 300 DPI, an 8×10 inch print requires 2400×3000 pixels (7.2 megapixels). Most modern smartphone cameras (12+ MP) easily meet this requirement.

Is JPEG good enough for printing?

Yes, high-quality JPEG is fine for most printing. For professional or archival work, TIFF or PNG (lossless) preserve more detail. Avoid heavily compressed JPEGs — they may show visible artifacts in large prints.

Can I print a screenshot?

Screenshots are typically 72-96 DPI and sized for screen display. A 1920×1080 screenshot prints at only 6.4×3.6 inches at 300 DPI — fine for a small reference print, but not for posters or framed prints.