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July 13, 2021
Question

Resolution

  • July 13, 2021
  • 4 replies
  • 217 views

I've been hired by an employer to create a large banner that is roughly 10ft x 10ft. I have never really worked on art that large before so I was wondering what resolution should my file be along with other specifics such as DPI etc. 

 

Thanks!

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4 replies

davescm
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 13, 2021

ppi is not a magic figure. The required ppi reduces with viewing distance. Work out the viewing distance in inches then use the formula below.

ppi required = 6878/Viewing distance

As an approximation a 10ft x 10 ft poster is unlikely to be viewed closer than 10 feet (120inches). So that forumala works out as :

ppi required = 6878 / 120 = 57ppi

 

Using any higher resolution at a 10 foot viewing distance is wasted. Our eyes simply cannot resolve it. If you know the viewing distance will be different, then substitute it into the formula.

 

Dave

 

 

Jumpenjax
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 13, 2021

Being it is so large it is most likely for billboard or sign usage. I would recommend for the print world it should be 300dpi or 118.11 ppi to keep the best resolution.

 

Like c.pfaffenbicher said it really depends on the usage and your printer.

Lee- Graphic Designer, Print Specialist, Photographer
c.pfaffenbichler
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 13, 2021

»dpi« are none of your business unless you are the actual print provider, you probably mean »ppi«. 

 

The necessary resolution depends on the intended (or likely) viewing distance, in a case like this I would expect 72ppi effective resolution to be plenty. 

http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/print_viewing_distance.html

 

Chuck Uebele
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 13, 2021

50 to 100 would be good. Check with their printer.