A zoomed-out preview can hide image softness, even on a high-resolution screen. What matters is source detail and effective PPI at final size. A small screenshot does not become a detailed original just because it looks clear in a thumbnail.
Effective resolution
When you place an image and scale it up, the number of pixels per inch drops. A 300 PPI image at 1" becomes 150 PPI at 2". Below the printer's minimum, the print will look soft or pixelated.
How to avoid it
Supply images at final size and at least 300 PPI (or the printer's minimum for large-format). Do not rely on scaling in layout to "fix" a small image. Check effective resolution in your design app before export.
Before you send the file
- Confirm placed image size and cropping match the intended layout.
- Ensure effective PPI is at or above the printer's minimum.
- Replace any image that shows as low-res in the Links or preflight panel.
Common mistake
Approving a proof on screen and not checking effective resolution. The proof may look fine at zoom level; the press will show the true resolution. We check and flag low-res images.