A pixelated graphic can be frustrating and disappointing for anyone who is working on a print product. Whether you are a graphic designer, a marketer, or a business owner, you want your print product to look sharp, clear, and professional. However, sometimes even the most carefully designed graphics can end up looking pixelated when printed. In this article, we will explore why this happens and what you can do to fix it in Photoshop and Illustrator.
What does it mean for a graphic to be pixelated?
Pixelation is a common issue in digital graphics, and it occurs when the resolution of an image is too low to be printed at a specific size. This is because digital images are made up of tiny squares called pixels, and the more pixels there are, the more detail and clarity an image will have. When an image is enlarged beyond its original resolution, the pixels become more visible and start to look like a series of boxes rather than a smooth image.
Why does pixelation happen in print products?
When it comes to print products, pixelation can occur for a variety of reasons. One of the most common reasons is that the image resolution is too low. In general, images need to be at least 300 dots per inch (DPI) to be printed clearly. Anything lower than that can lead to pixelation. Another reason why images can look pixelated in print is due to incorrect file format or size. For example, if an image is saved in a low-quality JPEG format, it may look pixelated when printed.
How to fix pixelated graphics in Photoshop?
If you have a pixelated graphic in Photoshop, there are a few things you can do to fix it. One of the easiest ways is to increase the resolution of the image. To do this, go to the "Image" menu, select "Image Size," and increase the resolution to at least 300 DPI.
How to fix pixelated graphics in Illustrator?
In Illustrator, it is important to ensure that all items in your design are vectorized and that any images used are at least 300 DPI. Vector graphics are created using mathematical equations, which means they can be scaled up or down without losing quality. To ensure that images are at the correct resolution, select the image and go to the "Links" panel. If the image resolution is too low, you may need to replace the image with a higher-resolution version.
Another important step is to save your Illustrator file as a high-quality print PDF. This will ensure that all elements of your design, including any images, are saved at the correct resolution and in the correct format for printing. To do this, go to the "File" menu and select "Save As." Choose "Adobe PDF" as the file format and select the "High-Quality Print" preset.
Conclusion
Pixelated graphics can be a frustrating problem, but it is something that can be fixed with a few simple steps. By increasing the resolution of the image in Photoshop and ensuring that all elements in your design are vectorized and saved at the correct resolution and in the correct format in Illustrator, you can restore detail and clarity to a pixelated graphic. Remember to always use high-quality images in your print products, and ensure that they are saved in the correct format and size to avoid pixelation in the first place.