How to Set the Dots Per Inch in Publisher
Dots per inch is one of the most important attributes of a document when it is to be printed. Each image that is output (even a typed page) contains tens of thousands of dots. The human eye cannot see them, but the computer imaging equipment can. The value setting for dots per inch (DPI) tells the equipment how big or small to make the dots so that your final product is seamless. The smaller the value in the DPI field, the larger the dots will become. Whether your final product is going to a print shop or you are printing from your personal printer or all-in-one, the DPI is crucial.
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Instructions
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From the "File" menu select "Page Setup" you will see an options section towards the lower right corner of the screen. You can select the DPI value here.
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Learn what is standard in commercial printing. For a four color process (also known as CMYK or Full Color) the document should be 300 or 400 DPI. The heavier the ink coverage, the closer to 400 you want to be. Black and white text documents (you may also hear the word bitmap applied here) will require 600 DPI. Grey-scale documents (projects with black and white photos in them) should use 300 DPI, as well.
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For personal printing, the numbers are a bit lower for DPI: From your own printer you only need to use 150 DPI. If the dots are too muddy, bring the DPI down to 85 or 65 and try that.
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Once you have chosen your final product's DPI click "OK" and "Apply." You are now ready to print or to collect the file(s) for the print shop.
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Tips & Warnings
Always check with the print shop first on what DPI they would like to receive the document.
