Images for web and print: the basics

Not sure where to start when it comes to using images for web and print? Get to grips with the basics with this quick and simple overview.

No matter how you want to use an image, one crucial factor is making sure you retain its quality. High quality images not only improve the overall appearance of the content you create but also add a professional feel.�� Below we run through some of the key things to think about before you use an image in your web and print projects.

Some useful terms before we get started:

Dots per inch (DPI) – the resolution of an image is measured by the amount of detail that will be included in every inch that is printed. For web, this is measured in pixels per inch (PPI)

Dimensions – a measurement of how big the image will be when it’s printed

Resolution – how much detail an image has. A low-resolution image has a low level of detail and may appear blurry, whereas a high-resolution image has much more detail

First things first, let’s bust a myth about compression��

Too often we hear people talking about compression and treating as a negative and complicated thing. We want to set the record straight. Compression isn’t a bad thing and it isn’t necessarily going to reduce the quality of your images. Compression is actually a useful tool that enables you to store and easily transfer larger files.

Historically, compression was an important part of any process involving the upload of an image to a website or blog. It was necessary to compress an image before you uploaded it so the loading time of a page wouldn’t be affected. But today, with super fast broadband and fibre, it’s nowhere near as big of a problem as it used to be. In fact, many website building platforms actually compress images themselves as you upload them.

So, now we’re no longer afraid of compression, here are some pointers on how to prep your images.

Preparing your images for web

One of the key things to consider when you’re choosing an image is the size of the image. You need to buy an image that is big enough for how you intend to use it.

Luckily, optimising images for web use is a lot more simplistic than it used to be. As internet speeds have increased and website building platforms have developed, things have got a whole lot easier for image buyers. If you’re going to use an image on you website, blog or social page, the chances are the platform you’re using can compress images down to the required size.

As a guideline, the recommended resolution of an image for online use is 72ppi.

Preparing your images for print��

The first thing you need to think about is the size and resolution of the image you’re going to use. For the majority of uses, the recommended resolution for print-based projects is 300dpi. The key thing you need to check before you download an image is how big it is. On 17�Թ��, all the information you need can be found on the image page. Just look below the image for the heading ‘Maximum file size’:

File size example — Check file size information

If you’re working on a larger-scale project such as a billboard, these will usually be printed at a lower resolution of between 50 – 150dpi. This is because billboards will be viewed from a distance, so can afford to include less detail than something that will be viewed close-up.

Some example sizes for print usages include:

Have you got any tips on preparing images and making sure they’re right for your web and print projects? Share them with us in the comments and help others!

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