The dimensions of a template
Define the width and height of your template in pixels (px), millimeters (mm), centimeters (cm), or inches (in). These values typically represent the final print-production dimensions or the real-life size of your product.
Width: The width of your template in px, mm, cm, or inches.
Height: The height of your template in px, mm, cm, or inches.
Working unit: The unit of measurement used for defining dimensions and positioning elements in this template.
Resolution: The print resolution (DPI). If the template is defined in pixels, this value determines its physical size when printed.
Background image: An image of your product that appears as the bottom layer when the template is opened in Printlane Designer.
The resolution of your template
The resolution of a template, measured in DPI (dots per inch), determines how many pixels are required per physical inch. By default, the resolution is set to 300 DPI, a standard for high-quality print production.
The impact of resolution in Printlane depends on the working unit selected when defining the template’s dimensions.
When the Working Unit is Set to Millimeters, Centimeters, or Inches
If the working unit is mm, cm, or inches, the resolution (DPI) determines the template’s pixel dimensions.
This is crucial because pixel dimensions dictate the image size that customers need to upload to fully cover the design area. For example:
Size in cm | DPI | Dimensions in px | Image size your customer needs to upload to fill the entire design area |
90 x 60 | 300 | 10630 x 7087 | 10630 x 7087 |
90 x 60 | 150 | 5315 x 3544 | 5315 x 3544 |
90 x 60 | 100 | 3544 x 2363 | 3544 x 2363 |
Lowering the resolution reduces the number of pixels required to fill the design, making it easier for customers to find suitable pictures. This can improve conversion rates, as fewer customers will be restricted by image resolution requirements.
As a general guideline:
Large products viewed from a distance, such as banners or flags, typically require lower resolution (e.g., 100 DPI).
Smaller products viewed up close, such as printed smartphone cases, benefit from higher resolution (e.g., 300 DPI).
The goal is to strike a balance between image sharpness and practical file requirements. Customers often upload pictures taken with smartphones, which may have lower resolution. If the required resolution is too high, they may struggle to use their images.
Additionally, the DPI should not exceed the maximum resolution your printer supports. If your printer’s maximum resolution is 300 DPI, setting a higher value won’t improve print quality.
When the Working Unit is Set to Pixels
If the working unit is set to px, the resolution determines the physical size of the exported PDF. For example:
Size in px | DPI | Physical size in inches | Physical size in centimeters |
1000 x 1000 | 300 | 3.33 x 3.33 | 8.47 x 8.47 |
1000 x 1000 | 150 | 6.67 x 6.67 | 16.93 x 16.93 |
1000 x 1000 | 100 | 10 x 10 | 25.40 x 25.40 |
Still confused about image resolution, megapixels and DPI? We've got you covered. Please find some resources offering more information and feel free to contact us if we can assist you.