Is my image good enough for printing?

From the WhiteWall expert Jan-Ole Schmidt

An image on a monitor can look brilliant—but when it comes to printing, more than just the first impression counts. As soon as a digital photo is transferred to a physical medium, technical factors such as resolution, sharpness, and file format play a decisive role. The question quickly arises: Is the quality of my image good enough to hang it on the wall in gallery size?

This uncertainty affects not only amateur photographers, but also experienced professionals. While some images shine with impressive details, others suddenly appear soft, noisy, or disappointingly flat when printed. This makes it all the more important to understand what requirements an image should meet for high-quality printing—and what options are available for optimizing weaker templates.

In this article, we'll show you what to look for when assessing print quality, how you can use modern technologies such as WhiteWall SuperResolution to prepare even low-resolution images for large-format printing, and why it's worth checking every image with a professional eye on the end result. Because a strong print always starts with the right preparation.

1. Resolution and image size – the technical basis

Whether an image is suitable for high-quality printing depends largely on its resolution. But not all resolutions are the same: it's not just the number of pixels that matters, but also the ratio to the desired print size. Only when the image size and print format are in harmony will the result on paper or other materials be as brilliant as it is on the screen.

1.1 Number of pixels vs. print size: What is crucial?

The number of pixels in an image (width × height) determines how large it can be printed without losing quality. The larger the desired print, the more image information must be available. A small file that looks razor sharp on a smartphone can quickly reach its limits in large format printing.

An example: An image with 3,000 × 2,000 pixels (6 megapixels) has an output size of approximately 25 × 17 cm at a print resolution of 300 dpi. A large-format wall art in 90 × 60 cm format can also be produced with this – even in good quality, depending on the viewing distance. However, a higher output resolution would result in a more detailed print that is also impressive from a shorter distance. In such cases, intelligent upscaling offers valuable support.

1.2 Guidelines: How much resolution do I need for which print?

It is difficult to apply a general rule here, as the required resolution depends on the size of the printed image and, in particular, the viewing distance. A guideline value of 300 dpi is often used to calculate the recommended print size of an image. This is particularly useful if the image is viewed at close range, for example, when holding photo prints in your hand or looking at a WhiteWall Coffee Table Book.

For large-format wall art that is viewed from a typical living room distance or several meters away, the resolution can be significantly lower without compromising image quality. In such cases, a small fraction of the mathematically ideal dpi values is often sufficient, as the eye perceives fewer fine details from a greater distance.

1.3 Understanding DPI (dots per inch): What do 150, 240, or 300 dpi mean?

DPI stands for "dots per inch" and describes the print resolution—i.e., how many pixels are reproduced per inch (2.54 cm).

• 300 dpi: Highest level of detail – ideal for close-up viewing (e.g., photo prints)

• 240 dpi: Very good quality for wall art and gallery prints

• 150 dpi: Acceptable for large formats that are viewed from a distance

Tip: WhiteWall automatically checks your image data during the ordering process and lets you know if the resolution is sufficient for the selected format.

In summary:

• The resolution must match the desired print size

• 300 dpi is optimal for detail reproduction, 150 dpi is sufficient for large viewing distances

• Rule of thumb: the larger the print, the higher the absolute pixel count requirement

2. Check image quality: sharpness, noise, artifacts

Pure resolution is only one aspect of print quality. Even a high-resolution image may be unsuitable for printing if it is blurred, has digital artifacts, or has been compressed too much. A thorough check of image quality is therefore just as important as clarifying technical specifications.

2.1 Important quality characteristics for printing

In addition to resolution, the following aspects should be critically examined:

• Image sharpness: Fine details, sharp edges, and clearly defined contours are essential for high-quality printing. Slight blurring is hardly noticeable in small formats, but quickly appears washed out over large areas.

• Noise behavior: Image noise occurs especially in shots with high ISO settings or in poor lighting conditions. This can become more visible in print, especially on smooth surfaces such as acrylic glass.

• Compression artifacts: Heavy JPEG compression can lead to block formation and color fringing, especially in uniform color areas such as skies or shadow areas.

2.2 Why screen display can be deceiving

Monitors often display images with greater contrast and brilliance than they actually have, especially on small display formats. In addition, many devices have automatic image optimization features that conceal blurring and noise. When printed, however, the image is reproduced "without these corrections," i.e., without any aids, directly on the selected material.

For this reason, it makes sense to evaluate images at 100 percent or 200 percent magnification on a pre-calibrated monitor—this is the only way to realistically assess details and possible defects.

2.3 The role of RAW files and high-quality editing

Those who shoot in RAW format have significantly more leeway in post-processing, especially when it comes to sharpness, noise, and contrast. RAW files offer:

• Greater dynamic range

• More finely graded colors

• Better control over image corrections

Clean post-processing—ideally in a calibrated workflow—helps you get the most out of every image and make it ready for printing.

In summary:

• Sharpness, noise, and compression artifacts significantly affect the print

• Screen displays are often embellished – real assessment only possible at 100–200% zoom

• RAW files and targeted post-processing create the basis for high print quality

3. Help with low resolution: WhiteWall SuperResolution

Not every image is available in perfect print resolution – be it an older digital photo, a scan from the analog era, or a great shot that was simply taken with a smartphone or sent via messenger. But that doesn't necessarily mean it can't be printed in large format. With WhiteWall SuperResolution, WhiteWall offers a state-of-the-art solution for intelligently enlarging image files – without any visible loss of quality.

3.1 What is Superresolution and how does it work?

WhiteWall Superresolution is based on artificial intelligence. It analyzes the existing image material and supplements missing information based on trained image patterns. Unlike classic interpolation, where pixels are simply enlarged, AI generates new details – ensuring a sharper, more detailed image even in large formats.

WhiteWall applies this technology directly in the ordering process – at no additional cost to the customer.

3.2 For which images is this technology useful?

Superresolution is particularly suitable for:

• Images with too low a resolution for the desired print format

• Photos taken with older cameras or smartphones

• Photos that have been heavily cropped and no longer have enough pixels

• Scans of analog images or slides

3.3 Advantages for large print formats and older image files

This technology is a real asset, especially for large-format wall art. Instead of having to resort to smaller formats, your favorite motif can be presented to full effect—for example, as an acrylic glass picture, aluminum Dibond, or a photo in a high-quality passe-partout frame.

The technology is also a valuable tool for photographers with extensive archives or digital memories from earlier years, allowing them to reactivate old treasures.

3.4 More information: WhiteWall Superresolution

If you would like to learn more about the technology and its application, you can find further information here:

→ To WhiteWall Superresolution

In summary:

• WhiteWall Superresolution allows prints to be made from files with low original resolution

• The technology intelligently supplements image details based on artificial intelligence

• Ideal for large-format wall art, old photographs, or smartphone photos

4. Image selection with the end product in mind

It is not only the technical quality of an image that determines its success in print—the motif itself and its visual effect on the chosen material also play an important role. Especially when displayed on a wall, each image has a different presence depending on how it is designed, enlarged, and framed. It is therefore worth checking not only the resolution but also the suitability of the design for the desired end product.

4.1 Which motif is suitable for which type of print?

Different image content harmonizes particularly well with certain printing materials:

• Landscapes and nature shots look particularly brilliant on photo paper behind acrylic glass – thanks to their vibrant colors and high depth effect.

• Architectural and urban motifs benefit from the clear structure on aluminum Dibond or as a Fine Art Print on a matte surface, as details are reproduced precisely.

• Portraits and artistic series can be printed excellently on Fine Art papers – with a velvety feel and subtle sheen.

4.2 Rich detail and color effect on different materials

The substrate should be chosen according to the complexity of the motif. High-resolution images with lots of detail and fine textures have an impressive effect on smooth, glossy materials. Matte surfaces, on the other hand, are particularly suitable for:

• Images with calm colors

• Photographs with fine grain or gentle contrast

• Black-and-white motifs with a classic look

Tip: Images with strong bokeh or deliberate blurring can also look great in lower technical quality—if the motif is harmonious and the image effect is intentional.

4.3 Design freedom through format selection and white margins

The format also has a decisive influence on the effect. A panorama attracts the eye with its width – ideal for landscapes. Square formats appear calm and harmonious, perfect for graphic motifs or minimalist compositions.

Additional design elements:

• White border or passe-partout: gives the image room to breathe and directs the focus

• Frame selection: color, material, and depth can be used to specifically emphasize the image's effect

• Multi-part arrangement: ideal for series or particularly large rooms

In summary:

• The motif should match the material, format, and viewing distance

• Detailed images benefit from smooth, glossy surfaces – soft motifs from matte papers

• White borders, passe-partout, and format selection are creative tools for achieving a harmonious overall effect

5. Conclusion: Technical knowledge + intuition = impressive print results

Recognizing a good image for printing is not purely a question of megapixels – it is a combination of technical preparation, creative flair, and a realistic view of the end product. The right resolution, clean image editing, and the choice of the right printing material are crucial to how convincing your photo looks on the wall.

Even if the image file does not appear optimal at first glance, this does not necessarily mean the end of your planned wall art. WhiteWall makes it easy: thanks to automatically active SuperResolution technology and the integrated quality indicator, users do not have to deal with technical details regarding print resolution. If the resolution is too low for the selected format, the system intervenes intelligently, automatically, and without any visible loss of quality. This makes it easy to achieve professional printing results.

Those who understand the technical basics and at the same time consider the effect of the image in the room will be rewarded with a print that is not only sharp and brilliant—but also emotionally touching. Because a strong image is not only good enough for printing. It is made for it.