From pixels to prints: Master Midjourney image sizes and resolution.
Let's dive into what you can expect with your Midjourney images, how to handle them, and how resolution works. By the end, you'll know how image sizes affect your work and what steps you can take for printing.
What Is Image Size?
Every Midjourney image starts with a certain number of pixels, measured width by height. For example, when you use the default 1:1 aspect ratio, Midjourney version 6.1 creates upscaled images that are 2048 x 2048 pixels (px). Pixels are the tiny dots that make up your image, much like the tiny tiles in a mosaic.
Understanding Resolution
Image resolution represents the level of detail in an image. For printed images, resolution measures the density of ink dots per inch (DPI).
When you open a Midjourney image in a program like Photoshop, the resolution will probably be 72, which is just right for online or screen use. There are no "high-resolution" image files for screens like monitors or phones. What matters is how many pixels you have versus the size of the screen. So, an image fits differently on a small phone compared to a large monitor based on its pixel count.
Why Resolution Matters for Printing
When you want to print an image, the DPI affects its clarity and size on paper. While 72 DPI looks sharp on your screen, printing usually requires around 300 DPI for the best quality. This is because printed images need many more dots squeezed into each inch to look just as clear as they do on your screen.
How to Change Resolution
If you want a higher DPI for your Midjourney images, here are some steps to help you along:
- Use Editing Software: Programs like Photoshop let you change the DPI. Open your image, find the image settings, change the DPI to 300, and check that "Resample" is off. This keeps your pixel dimensions the same (2048 x 2048px), but now it's ready for a higher-quality print.
- Third-Party Upscaling Tools: Sometimes you'll need your image to have more pixels to keep it sharp as you make it larger. You can use third party upscaling tools to upscale your image, which adds more pixels and helps maintain clarity at a higher DPI.
Can You Print a Midjourney Image?
Absolutely! You can print your Midjourney images, but the quality of the print follows the rules of DPI. For a sharp, quality print, aim for 300 DPI. So, with a default 2048 x 2048px image from Midjourney, you can produce a good quality 6.8 inch by 6.8 inch print (2048 pixels divided by 300 DPI equals 6.8 inches).
If you want to print larger than 6.8 inches, you can lower the DPI, but be aware that your image might not print as clear or sharp, and some printers may have minimum DPI requirements. For example, some posters can be printed at 150 DPI and still look clear because they are viewed from further away. Alternatively, use third party upscaling tools to add more pixels, increasing your image dimensions for larger prints while maintaining clarity.
Need More Help?
A great place to find recommendations is our Midjourney community on Discord. Members often share tips and experiences on which tools they prefer!