Why Are Your PNG Files Blurry In InDesign?

Adobe InDesign is a useful software for creating page layouts for various projects, but just like much other software, it may not always work perfectly. One common problem InDesign users run into involves PNG files displaying unclearly through the software. So, why are your PNG files blurry in InDesign?

Most of the time, a blurry PNG file is not due to the file itself. The likelihood is that the view setting in InDesign is not set to display as high quality of an image as you are looking for. Still, it could be the size of the PNG file, which is something to look out for.

Continue reading to learn why your PNG files are blurry in InDesign. Whether it is a user error or something that needs to be changed in the settings, read below to find causes as well as ways to fix your problem.

Why Are Your PNG Files Blurry In InDesign?

A Portable Network Graphic – or PNG – is a raster-graphics file that uses lossless compression. Since it is widely used and proves its reliability, you might be surprised to learn that it appears blurry in InDesign. Chances are that your view settings on InDesign are not set to support a PNG file as well as you want them to.

The Default View in the Display Performance section of InDesign’s settings may not be set to support a clear display of a PNG file. As you will learn shortly, this is typically a quick fix. However, this is not always the case. There could be other problems.

It is also worth noting that InDesign’s Display Performance settings may blur pictures on your screen, but the images should still print clearly. Still, a blurry PNG file on-screen may not do you any good. Even if it prints clearly, you likely still want to be able to view the finished product before printing. You need to know if there are edits to be made, if the image does not fit with the rest of the layout, etc.

Plus, if your layout will be exported for a website page or something of the like, the problem may not disappear. If the file remains blurry during editing, transferring it someplace else is probably going to keep it blurry. As mentioned, it is only with printing that the image can clear up. Keep in mind, however, that underlying problems might even prevent print from making the image clear.

Other Causes Of A Blurry PNG File

The display settings are the most common cause of a blurry PNG file in InDesign. Other causes of a blurry PNG file include:

  • Low-resolution image
  • Too large of an image
  • Underlying problem with InDesign

Even when using a PNG file with lossless compression, it can still be possible to have an image with low resolution or an image that is too large. If you have a low-res image, changing the display view setting may not even make any difference. Similarly, an image that is too large may not display clearly in InDesign.

In more serious cases, there might be a bug issue with InDesign. Problems with useful software are the worst-case scenario, as your investment in the said software is valuable. If you spend money on software that bugs out and prevents you from completing projects, you have a right to be agitated. As you will learn later, there is a way to avoid this problem altogether.

How To Fix Blurry PNG Files In InDesign

Now that you the common causes of blurry PNG files in InDesign, you are probably wondering how to fix the problem. In most cases, it is a simple fix. Below are steps to take in an attempt to get a clear display of your PNG file in InDesign.

If the problem arises from the Display Performance settings, you should have no problem getting a clear PNG file image display. You can do the following by selecting an image itself and changing the settings, but changing the settings through the toolbar of InDesign will ensure that all other PNG files display clearly.

In InDesign, go to the View Menu and find the Display Performance settings. If your Display Performance setting is set to Proxy Display or Typical Display, this could very well be the problem. Click the drop-down arrow and select High Quality Display. This should solve the blurry image problem In the Display Performance settings, you can also customize the display options for various file types.

If you do this and find that the PNG file is still blurry, it may be one of the other problems mentioned above. When initially selecting your image to convert into a PNG file, make sure its resolution is high enough while its size is not overly large. Although, PNG files do a nice job of retaining quality through lossless compression. If you do this, and you still cannot fix the blurry display, it may be a problem with InDesign.

Placeit as a Reliable Option

If you try every fix available and cannot seem to find the problem, there might be something wrong with the software. InDesign is used by many, but like other software, it can have its fair share of problems. Luckily, there are other options out there that prevent you from running into recurring inconveniences.

Placeit is an online source for mockups, logos, videos, designs, and more. With tens of thousands of logos, designs, and templates to choose from, it has everything you need to accomplish pretty much any graphic design project. 

One of the most reliable features of Placeit is that it is online. You do not have to spend the extra time and money installing software onto your device. With a few clicks of a button, you can find yourself creating your designs in no time. Plus, you do not have to worry about petty problems such as PNG files appearing blurry in your templates.

Takeaway

In most cases, PNG files show up blurry in InDesign because the Default View for files in the Display Performance settings is not set to a high enough quality of display. This is typically a simple fix, though it may not always be the problem. For more information concerning design software tips, be sure to check out Placeit.