DPI shows up on every printer spec sheet. This short explainer covers what the number means and why 300 is the one to aim for when you prepare a card design.
Why 300 DPI is the target
DPI stands for dots per inch: how much detail fits into one inch of a printed image. 300 DPI is the standard across most ID card printers, and it gives sharp text, clean images and smooth edges.
The number matters as much for your artwork as for the printer. If the design file you send is below 300 DPI, the card can come out fuzzy or pixelated no matter which printer you use. Building the design at 300 DPI is the simplest way to get professional-looking cards.
The short version
- DPI means dots per inch.
- 300 DPI is the standard for ID card printers.
- Artwork below 300 DPI tends to print fuzzy or pixelated.
Where this applies
