When it comes to printing trade show backdrops, banners, or displays, one of the most common questions we hear is: “Is my artwork high enough quality to print clearly?”
The answer almost always comes down to resolution—and whether your file will look crisp or pixelated when enlarged. Let’s break it down.
What Is Resolution?
Resolution is measured in DPI (dots per inch) or PPI (pixels per inch) and tells us how much detail an image contains. The higher the number, the sharper your image will appear when printed.
- High resolution = sharp, clear print quality
- Low resolution = blurry, pixelated, or “blocky” look
Think of resolution as the difference between watching a movie in HD versus an old VHS tape.
Watch: Understanding Print Quality & Pixelation
Sometimes it’s easier to see the difference between high-quality and low-quality files. That’s why we created a short video to walk you through print resolution and pixelation: In this video, we cover what resolution is, how pixelation happens, and what’s acceptable for trade show graphics versus what’s not. It’s a quick guide to help you feel confident about your artwork before it goes to print.
What’s “Good Enough” for Large-Format Printing?
Here’s the good news: when printing large displays (like an 8ft backdrop), you don’t always need your file to be ultra-high resolution. People will be viewing your display from several feet away—not inches.
- Standard guideline: 100–150 DPI at full print size
- Logos & text: Should be in vector format (.AI, .EPS, or .PDF) for the sharpest results
- Photos: Higher DPI is better, but scaling down the viewing distance can make lower DPI acceptable
For example, a backdrop printed at 120 DPI will look crisp on the show floor. A flyer, on the other hand, would need a higher DPI (300+) since people hold it close to their face.
What Causes Pixelation?
Pixelation happens when the file doesn’t have enough data to scale to the size of your print. In other words, the image is being “stretched” too far.
Signs your image might pixelate:
- The file looks blurry or jagged when zoomed in
- Small details disappear into blocks
- Edges of logos or text look fuzzy
How to Avoid Pixelation
- Start with the highest resolution possible. If you’re working with photos, use the original image file, not a screenshot.
- Use vector files for logos and text. They can be scaled to any size without losing quality.
- Ask for proof. At DoTradeshow, we’ll send you a scaled proof so you can see how your file will print.
Our Quick Take
Don’t stress too much—not every file needs to be 300 DPI. What matters most is the size of your display and the distance viewers will stand from it. If you’re not sure, send us your file and we’ll review it for free. We’ll let you know if it’s ready to print or if adjustments are needed.
✅ Pro Tip: At DoTradeshow, we always recommend letting our design team review your artwork. We’ll check resolution, scaling, and quality so you can feel confident your display will look professional and sharp on the show floor.
Final Thoughts
Understanding resolution doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right file setup, you’ll avoid pixelation and ensure your trade show display looks stunning. And if you’re unsure, that’s exactly what we’re here for—to guide you through every step and make sure your brand shines.
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