HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR IMAGE IS HIGH QUALITY
It happens all the time… a customer presents you with the image they want you to print with your Direct to Garment machine. On the computer it looks great, but after the print is on the Tshirt, it looks faded and fuzzy (See above photo). The client will blame the machine, but it could actually be due to poor image quality.
HOW TO TELL IF AN IMAGE IS HIGH RESOLUTION
Look at the image size. The larger the file size, the more likely it is the image will be high resolution. Try to find an image that is at least 1MB in size. The best way to get your hands on a high-quality, high resolution image is to get the file directly from a photographer or graphic designer. If you are creating your own designs, make sure you create a file that fits the necessary print requirements.
You can verify the size of an image my right-clicking on the picture’s icon, then selecting the “Properties” or “View Properties” option. The size will be listed with the other image specifications.
It is possible to find an image from the internet, but it can be difficult to find one that fits the right parameters. You also need to be weary of copyright laws. If you do search for an image online, Google has a search tool that allows you to filter out smaller images.
HOW TO FIX THE ISSUE
When customers submit an image to print, make sure you always specify that the image needs to be HIGH RESOLUTION, around 300 ppi/dpi (ppi = pixels per inch, dpi = dots per inch). Info on PPI vs. DPI
If the image they want does not meet these requirements, explain to them that the image will not print as well. If they insist on the original photo, it is important they understand this before continuing.
HOW TO FIX TEXT THAT IS UNCLEAR
In some cases, the image is fine but the text is fuzzy and unreadable. This is a relatively easy fix. Using photoshop you can crop out or disguise the original text. (The “Clone Stamp” in Adobe Photoshop is very useful for this). Adobe Tutorial for Beginners.
Once the text has been eliminated, re-type the text using your editing program. Make sure the text is large enough to be legible.
View the two text comparisons below… The text on the left appears to be perfectly legible, until you compare it to the image on the right. Now you can clearly see that the left-side text is slightly blurry. This is not the image quality you want for your customers.
These simple tips can make all the difference in your product presentation. With OmniPrint you know you have a great Direct to Garment machine, but you also need to make sure you are using high-resolution images to produce a high-quality product, and ensure customer satisfaction and retention.
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Sincerely,
OmniPrint International
