A Guide to Image Resolution and File Sizes

A Guide to Image Resolution and File Sizes

In this short guide, we provide some guidance on the dimensions and file sizes required for different media in design. You can also find a handy PDF to download with even more detail to keep.

Image Usage Types

  1. Websites and Social Media - A full screen image for a website, blog or social media.
    1. 800px x 1000px
    2. 1MB
    3. 72ppi (or 150ppi for retina screens)
  2. Personal Photo Print - A print or something to hang on the wall.
    1. 8" x 10"
    2. 5MB+
    3. 300dpi
  3. Magazines and Books - Quality imagery for a glossy magazine, coffee table book or brochure.
    1. A4 page (see our guide to paper sizes)
    2. 15MB+
    3. 300dpi
  4. Billboard Advertising - A large scale advertising campaign.
    1. 5m x 3m
    2. 60MB+
    3. 150dpi (site dependant)
Glossary
  1. dpi = dots per inch
  2. ppi = pixels per inch
The more dots or pixels per inch, the higher resolution the image. dpi is used for printed media, while ppi refers to on screen graphics.

Download our handy PDF for all of the above information and what may happen when you use the wrong image for the media channel.