What is the ideal resolution for printing images, according to standard practices?

The ideal resolution for printing images is typically considered to be 300 dpi (dots per inch). This standard is widely accepted in the printing industry because it provides a high enough resolution to ensure that images appear sharp and detailed when printed. At 300 dpi, there is a sufficient density of dots that the human eye perceives a smooth and continuous image without visible pixelation, which is crucial for producing high-quality prints, especially in professional applications such as photography, commercial printing, and graphic design.

Using a resolution of 300 dpi is particularly important for images that may be viewed at close distances, as it helps to maintain clarity and detail. Higher resolutions, such as 600 dpi, can be used for specialized print jobs, but they may not be necessary for all types of printing and can result in unnecessarily large file sizes or longer processing times.

In contrast, lower resolutions, such as 72 dpi, are often used for web and screen display because they result in smaller file sizes suitable for online usage. However, this resolution is inadequate for printing, as it leads to images that are significantly less detailed and can appear pixelated or blurry on paper. Similarly, a resolution of 150 dpi might be acceptable for some types of printing, but it typically does