High-quality design demands high-resolution images. It’s as simple as that.
High-resolution images should be 300 ppi (pixels per inch) for greyscale and CMYK images, 1200 ppi for line art.
Low-resolution images include 72 ppi graphics captured from the internet, or images taken on cameras not set to highest quality. They will look fuzzy and pixelated. NOTE: Enlarging small images reduces overall print quality.
**Note: Saving or submitting an image at a higher resolution than 300-350ppi will not produce a better printed piece. It will increase the image size making it more difficult to print the essential elements of the design.
Why are low resolution and re-sampled or scaled images common mistakes?
Re-sampling: Let's say you are working in Adobe Photoshop and you have a 72ppi image. If you re-sample that image by replacing "72" with "300" in the Photoshop's Image Size window, you would just re-sampling neighboring pixels to add more pixels per inch. It gives a slightly softer result, though does not drastically improve the appearance. The result will be generally blurry and pixelated depending on the degree of re-sampling.
Scaling: You've started with an image that is 300ppi at 2 inches square and made the image bigger in your layout to fill the CD cover. Although the image was in fact 300ppi, when you enlarge it the resolution decreases. So, your image that was 300ppi at 2 inches is only going to be about 120ppi when scaled up to 4.75 inches. This can result in more jagged appearance depending on how large you scale the image.
Bottom Line: You need to start with High Quality, High Resolution images from the start. This may mean it is necessary to choose new pictures for your design to get the best possible results.
Can we proceed as is with low resolution images? Yes, if you are unable to provide high resolution images and would like us to go into production with the artwork as it is, please contact us and let us know. Be aware that we cannot guarantee you will be happy with the final product and you accept responsibility for the results.