It’s a common misconception, like mixing apples and oranges and calling them grapes, to assume all Large Format Prints demand extremely high resolution files. While certain specialized output devices such as Lambda or Lightjet printers for fine art digital C prints do necessitate a 255 ppi (pixels per inch) resolution for optimal results, this is not the standard requirement in the realm of commercial large format printing.
The primary reason for this difference lies in the viewing distance inherent in commercial applications. Unlike fine art prints intended for close inspection, commercial prints are designed to be viewed from a distance. This distance is crucial for legibility of text and visual impact, prioritizing communication over ultra-high resolution detail. This principle is not a recent development of the digital age. Even in traditional print media, lower resolutions were perfectly acceptable. Recalling experiences from working at the New York Post in my youth, images in newspapers were printed at a mere 60 dpi (dots per inch), and they appeared perfectly adequate for their intended purpose – conveying news and information effectively.
Further illustrating this point, during my time at an advertising agency, we routinely produced 24-sheet posters at resolutions as low as 20 dpi. Assembling these massive prints often required a large space simply to lay out all the sections. The focus was on ensuring all pieces printed correctly, with less concern for ultra-fine detail that would be lost at typical viewing distances.
Therefore, a clear distinction exists between large format printing for fine art and large format printing for display or commercial purposes. The necessary resolution remains fundamentally the same today as it has been historically, and in many commercial cases, lower resolutions are not only acceptable but also efficient and cost-effective.
The notion that scaling a design in software like Illustrator inherently alters the file information beyond dimensional changes is also incorrect. Scaling simply adjusts the output dimensions without fundamentally changing the underlying data, ensuring accurate reproduction at different sizes.
In conclusion, it’s important to clarify these misconceptions about resolution in large format printing. Understanding the context and viewing distance is key to determining the appropriate resolution, and expertise in the printing field is essential for making informed decisions.
