Best Image Format for Print (TIFF, PSD, JPEG, or PNG?)
Professional printers and print-on-demand services have specific requirements. Using the wrong format causes rejection, poor output, or colour shifts.
The Short Answer
For professional printing: TIFF (300+ DPI, CMYK) For consumer printing (photos): JPEG (300 DPI, sRGB) For graphic designers sending to print shops: PDF (pre-press ready)
TIFF — The Professional Print Standard
TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) is the standard for professional print for several reasons:
- CMYK support — professional printers use Cyan/Magenta/Yellow/Black ink; TIFF can store CMYK colour channels
- 16-bit depth — preserves full tonal range, preventing banding in gradients
- Lossless — no quality degradation from repeated saves
- Multiple DPI settings — DPI metadata is embedded and respected by print software
When to use TIFF: delivering artwork to commercial printers, publishing houses, packaging designers, or sign shops.
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JPEG — For Consumer Photo Printing
For photo labs (Snapfish, CVS, local photo printers), JPEG at high quality is standard and expected:
- Save at 95–100% quality to avoid compression artefacts
- Use 300 DPI minimum (ideally 600 DPI for enlargements)
- Use sRGB colour space — most consumer photo printers cannot handle CMYK
PDF — For Prepress and Layouts
PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 is the preferred format for:
- Magazine and book layouts (InDesign exports)
- Business cards, flyers, brochures
- Anything where text and graphics are combined
PDF preserves CMYK, embedded fonts, and bleed marks in a single file.
What NOT to Use for Print
- PNG: No CMYK support; acceptable for consumer printing but not professional press
- WebP/AVIF: No print support in any professional software
- GIF: 256 colours maximum — never use for print
Resolution Requirements
- Consumer photo prints: 300 DPI minimum
- Large format (banners, posters, canvas): 150–200 DPI is acceptable (viewed from distance)
- Business cards, stationery: 300–600 DPI for sharp text edges