Can You Change DPI in Canva?

So, you’ve just finished your design in Canva, and the print came out all blurry and pixelated. This is typically an issue that is solved by changing the DPI, but can it be done in Canva?

The DPI of JPG and PNG files that are downloaded from Canva are set to a standard size and cannot be changed. The best way to get a higher DPI on Canva is to download files as “PDF Print.” However, this is not a solution for files with a transparent background.

Nobody wants to see a blurry image come out of the printer, especially when you’ve spent so much time perfecting the design. Below, you’ll find out if you can download images with a print-friendly DPI, and what your best options may be.

Can You Change DPI in Canva?

Design programs like Canva and Placeit are great tools for designers looking to create high quality designs without having to pay a premium price for large software packages. But this can sometimes come at a cost.

While the design you’ve created my look great on the screen, it can oftentimes produce a low-quality print. This is because the DPI of the file is lower than print recommendations.

The simple solution is to change the DPI of the file. However, this is easier said than done.

Unfortunately, the DPI cannot be changed in Canva. All downloads from Canva are set at a standard size. Therefore, even if you upload a high-quality image, once it is added to a design in Canva and downloaded as a JPG or PNG, the DPI of that file will change to Canva’s standard.

What is the Standard DPI in Canva?

If you’re downloading your designs as a JPG or PNG from Canva, you can expect a standard DPI of 96. Generally, this is considered low and is only used for online images.

To get a higher DPI from Canva, you would need to download your image as a “Print PDF.” Though a PDF file won’t have a DPI value because it is a vector-based file, the file is generally similar in size to the original file and produces high-quality images. This makes it ideal for printing.

Why Is DPI Important?

DPI is only important for those who are looking to print their creations. If you are creating an image or logo that will be used strictly online, then the DPI of your image really isn’t going to make a difference. In fact, you would actually be more concerned with the PPI (pixels per inch).

DPI stands for Dots Per Inch. This is the number of printed dots that are in one inch of a printed image. Essentially, the DPI helps determine the print size of an image. 

What Is the Best Way to Download High DPI Images from Canva?

If you would like to download your design from Canva for print, it’s going to take a few more steps than simply exporting it as a JPG or PNG.

The easiest solution is to download as “PDF Print,” then use an image converter to change the file from a PDF to a JPG or PNG file. However, this won’t work for images with transparent backgrounds. Here a several options you could use to convert your file:

It’s also good to keep in mind that PDF files are generally larger in size because they are higher in quality.

Downloading High-Quality Images without Increasing DPI

Another way to ensure a high-quality print is to increase the file size of your design. This is the best option for those who are looking to download a high-quality image with a transparent background. Currently the maximum dimensions on Canva are 8000 x 3125 px (pixels).

Though the download will still have a 96 DPI, the size of the image is still larger. When uploaded to a printing service like Printify, the DPI will be high because your design is larger than the size that needs to be printed.

However, this only works with products that are much smaller than 83 x 32 inches. Same size or larger images are going to appear blurry.

How Can You Check the DPI of an Image?

If you aren’t sure what the DPI of an image is, the best way to find out is to check the file’s properties.

To do this, first locate the file in your file management application. Then, open the menu that shows you the details of the file. In Windows, this would be the Properties tab; on a Mac, this is the Show Inspector in the Tools menu. You should then see a list of properties for your image.

Should You Create Print Designs Using Canva?

If you’re an avid Canva user for digital designs, you are probably familiar with how helpful the application can be. However, you may be wondering if Canva is the best tool for creating print designs.  

As a general rule, 300 DPI is the minimum size for printing an image. Any lower and the image will appear pixelated and blurred.

While Canva’s “Print PDF” file option is designed for those designs that are meant to be printed, this option wont work for everyone. If your design requires a transparent background, such as those for T-shirts, mugs, and logos, then the “PDF Print” isn’t going to work.

However, if you are creating items like book covers, brochures, posters, or other products that have a solid background, then Canva is a great option for creating print designs.

Final Thoughts

Canva is one of those tools that has quickly become a favorite of designers of all levels. However, if you’re mainly using it for digital creations, it can come as a bit of a shock when your prints don’t come out the way you intended.

Remember to always check the DPI of a file before sending it to print so that you don’t end up with blurry images. And if you’re downloading a design from Canva, PDF Print is best.

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