DPI explained

Apr 21, 2011 09:42 1,535

In this article you'll learn what 'DPI' and 'resolution' means when we talk about a thermal label printer. When you're looking at the specifications for a printer or when someone mentions DPI, you'll understand what it means. You'll also learn what resolution suits your situation best.

We'll cover

Dots per inch and printer resolution
How to decide what resolution I need
See before you buy

Let's take a closer look:

Dots Per Inch and Printer Resolution

DPI stands for Dots Per Inch which means how many dots of printing you get per of inch. It is also known as Resolution. A high DPI printer will also be a high resolution printer. In other words a 300dpi printer has a higher resolution than a 200dpi printer.

This gives you an idea of the difference between 203, 300 and 600 dpi printers:

The difference between 203, 300 and 600 dpi printers

A higher DPI means a clearer and crisper print. When it comes to thermal label printers 203 dpi is standard but there are higher DPI printers.

Examples of 203dpi and 300dpi labels

Examples of 203dpi (on the left) and 300dpi (on the right) labels.

The difference between 203, 300 and 600 dpi printers

Close up 203dpi (left) and 300dpi (right) labels

How to Decide What Print Resolution You Need.

Deciding the print resolution you need is something you need to do before choosing a printer. You need to consider:

Clarity and readability - the higher the resolution or DPI the sharper the image printed.
Print speed - the higher the dpi, the slower the print speed
Size of text - the smaller the print of the text or symbols used, the higher the DPI needed to ensure legibility.
Cost - higher resolution printers cost more and replacing the printhead costs more.

How Are You Using Your Labels?

As a rule of thumb:

If the person looking at your labels is thinking of buying the item (i.e. you want to present your products in the best light), choose 300dpi.

If the label is a packaging label used by the warehouse or used in an industrial setting then choose 203dpi.
If you are printing a small label and you need text smaller than 7 point then go for 300 dpi.
If you are printing small label (typically less than 10mm wide or tall) and you need a 1D or 2D barcode (QR Code or Datamatrix code) on it, consider a 300dpi or 600 dpi printer.

Zebra ZT610 600dpi High Resolution printer