For a sharp print viewed up close, you need about 300 pixels per inch of print, so an 8×10 in print needs 2400×3000 pixels and a 24×36 in print needs 7200×10800 pixels. Large prints viewed from a distance can look fine at 150–200 PPI, and AI upscalers can help you reach these sizes if your original is smaller.
PPI vs DPI
PPI (pixels per inch) describes a digital image: how many pixels are spread across each inch of the print. DPI (dots per inch) describes how a printer lays down ink. People often say “300 DPI” when they mean 300 PPI, and Etsy buyers will understand either term, but the number that matters for your file is the pixel count.
Changing the DPI setting in a file's metadata does not add detail. A 1000×1500 px image is still 1000×1500 px whether it says 72 or 300. Only the pixel dimensions decide how large it can be printed.
How much resolution is enough
- 300 PPI: the safe target for prints viewed close up, such as small and medium frames on a desk, shelf or hallway.
- 150–200 PPI: usually acceptable for large prints like 24×36 in that are viewed from across a room, especially for soft or painterly art.
- Below 150 PPI: blur and jagged edges become more likely, particularly with text and fine lines.
Because you do not know how close a buyer will stand, aim for 300 PPI at the largest size you sell.
Pixels needed by print size
| Print size | 300 PPI | 200 PPI | 150 PPI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8×10 in | 2400×3000 px | 1600×2000 px | 1200×1500 px |
| 11×14 in | 3300×4200 px | 2200×2800 px | 1650×2100 px |
| 16×20 in | 4800×6000 px | 3200×4000 px | 2400×3000 px |
| 18×24 in | 5400×7200 px | 3600×4800 px | 2700×3600 px |
| 24×36 in | 7200×10800 px | 4800×7200 px | 3600×5400 px |
| A4 (21×29.7 cm) | 2480×3508 px | 1654×2339 px | 1240×1754 px |
| A3 (29.7×42 cm) | 3508×4961 px | 2339×3307 px | 1754×2480 px |
| A2 (42×59.4 cm) | 4961×7016 px | 3307×4677 px | 2480×3508 px |
Upscaling with AI tools
Traditional resizing stretches pixels and makes images soft. AI upscalers instead predict new detail, which often gives much cleaner results for illustration and painted art. Popular options include Upscayl, which is free and runs on your own computer, and Topaz, a paid tool with more controls. Results vary by artwork, so compare a few settings and models.
- Start from the best original you have; upscaling cannot fully fix a blurry or heavily compressed file.
- Upscale in steps if a tool gives better results at 2× than 4×.
- Keep the aspect ratio locked so the art does not stretch. Crop to each print ratio after upscaling, not before.
- Check the edges: some tools create odd textures or seams near the borders.
- Check text and fine lines closely. Lettering can warp, so it is often better to redraw or reset text after upscaling.
- Watch faces, hands and small patterns for invented details.
Final checks before listing
View each final file at 100% zoom and scroll across the whole image. Save as a high-quality JPEG or PDF, confirm the pixel size, and make sure each file stays within Etsy's limits (at the time of writing, 20 MB per file and up to 5 files per listing).
Doing it faster
ArtworkPilot turns one artwork into print files in every common ratio at 300 PPI, together with mockups, a size guide image and listing text. You can try it with a 7-day free trial.