How to Export Images at 300 DPI from Figma for Print (2025 Guide)

The Challenge: Figma and DPI

If you've tried to export images from Figma for print, you've probably encountered this frustrating reality: Figma doesn't have a built-in 300 DPI export option.

Figma works in pixels, not DPI (dots per inch). This makes sense for screen design, but creates problems when you need print-ready files at professional resolutions.

Why 300 DPI Matters for Print

300 DPI is the industry standard for professional printing because:

• Photo-quality output - Ensures crisp, clear images without pixelation
• Industry requirement - Most print shops require 300 DPI minimum
• Professional results - Lower resolution leads to blurry, unprofessional prints
• Scalability - Gives you flexibility for different print sizes

Method 1: Manual Calculation (The Hard Way)

Since Figma exports in pixels, you need to calculate the correct pixel dimensions for 300 DPI output.

The Formula

Pixels = (Physical Size in Inches) × 300 DPI

Examples

Business Card (3.5" × 2")

• Width: 3.5 × 300 = 1050 pixels
• Height: 2 × 300 = 600 pixels
• Export at: 1050×600px

Flyer (8.5" × 11")

• Width: 8.5 × 300 = 2550 pixels
• Height: 11 × 300 = 3300 pixels
• Export at: 2550×3300px

Poster (24" × 36")

• Width: 24 × 300 = 7200 pixels
• Height: 36 × 300 = 10800 pixels
• Export at: 7200×10800px

Steps to Export Manually

1. Calculate your dimensions using the formula above
2. Create your design at the calculated pixel size in Figma
3. Export at 1x scale
4. Result: Your exported PNG/JPG will be 300 DPI when printed at the target size

The Problems with Manual Export

• ❌ Time-consuming calculations for every project
• ❌ No DPI metadata in exported files
• ❌ No bleed or crop marks
• ❌ No CMYK color conversion
• ❌ Risk of calculation errors
• ❌ Difficult to verify resolution is correct

Method 2: Using Print for Figma (The Easy Way)

Print for Figma is a free plugin that handles all the complexity of print-ready exports, including proper 300 DPI resolution.

Key Features for DPI Export

✅ Automatic DPI Verification

• Built-in checker ensures your images meet 300 DPI at print size
• Warns you if resolution is too low
• No manual calculations needed

✅ CMYK Color Conversion

• Converts RGB to CMYK for accurate print colors
• Prevents color shifts when printing

✅ Professional Print Marks

• Adds bleed zones automatically
• Includes crop marks and registration marks
• Industry-standard PDF/X-1a output

✅ Multiple Size Presets

• Business cards, flyers, posters, brochures
• Custom sizes supported
• All calculated at 300 DPI automatically

How to Use Print for Figma for 300 DPI Export

Step 1: Install the Plugin

1. Open Figma
2. Go to Plugins → Find more plugins
3. Search for "Print for Figma"
4. Click Install

Or visit: https://www.printery.app/guide/how-to-use

Step 2: Create Your Design

1. Design your artwork in Figma at any size
2. The plugin will handle the DPI conversion

Step 3: Run the Plugin

1. Select your frame or design
2. Open Plugins → Print for Figma
3. Choose your print size or enter custom dimensions

Step 4: Verify DPI

1. The plugin automatically checks resolution
2. Green checkmark = 300 DPI ✅
3. Warning = Resolution too low ⚠️

Step 5: Export

1. Enable CMYK conversion (recommended)
2. Add bleed if needed
3. Click Export PDF
4. Get a print-ready file with proper 300 DPI metadata

Video Tutorial

[Link to video tutorial showing the process]

Method 3: Figma's Export Scale Multiplier

You can also use Figma's export scale multiplier to increase resolution.

How It Works

If your design is 850×550px (for a 3.5"×2" business card at ~244 DPI):

1. Select the frame
2. In export settings, choose 2x scale
3. Export creates a 1700×1100px image
4. This is approximately 486 DPI (2 × 244)

Limitations

• ❌ Still no DPI metadata in file
• ❌ No CMYK conversion
• ❌ No bleed or crop marks
• ❌ Requires manual calculation of scale factor
• ❌ File size may be unnecessarily large

DPI vs PPI: What's the Difference?

DPI (Dots Per Inch)

• Used for printing
• Refers to physical dots of ink on paper
• 300 DPI is the print standard

PPI (Pixels Per Inch)

• Used for screens
• Refers to digital pixels
• Varies by display (72, 96, 144 PPI)

For print purposes, you need to think in DPI, not PPI.

Common DPI Export Sizes Reference

Business & Stationery

Marketing Materials

Large Format

Note: Large format prints (posters, banners) can sometimes use 150-200 DPI since they're viewed from a distance.

Best Practices for Print-Ready Exports

1. Always Check Resolution Before Printing

Use Print for Figma's DPI checker to verify your images meet 300 DPI at the final print size.

2. Include Bleed

Add 0.125" (3mm) bleed around your design to prevent white edges when trimmed.

Learn about bleed →

3. Convert to CMYK

RGB colors look different when printed. Convert to CMYK for accurate colors.

Learn about CMYK →

4. Use Vector Graphics When Possible

• Icons, logos, and text should be vector
• Only photos need to be raster at 300 DPI
• Vectors scale infinitely without resolution loss

5. Embed Fonts

Ensure all fonts are embedded or outlined in your export to prevent font substitution.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"My exported image looks pixelated when printed"

Cause: Resolution too low (probably under 300 DPI at print size)

Solution:

1. Check dimensions: Physical Size (inches) × 300 = Required Pixels
2. Resize your Figma frame to meet these dimensions
3. Re-export at 1x scale
4. Or use Print for Figma to handle it automatically

"The file size is huge"

Cause: Exporting at higher resolution than needed

Solution:

• 300 DPI is the sweet spot for most printing
• Don't export at 600 DPI unless specifically required
• For large banners viewed from a distance, 150 DPI may be sufficient

"Colors look different when printed"

Cause: RGB to CMYK color shift

Solution:

• Use CMYK color conversion before printing
• Print for Figma has built-in CMYK conversion
• Learn more about CMYK →

"My printer says the DPI is wrong"

Cause: Exported PNG/JPG files don't contain DPI metadata

Solution:

• Export as PDF with Print for Figma (includes DPI metadata)
• Or tell your printer the intended print size so they can calculate DPI
• PDF/X-1a format (what Print for Figma exports) is industry standard

Quick Reference: Export Checklist

Before sending files to print, verify:

• Resolution: 300 DPI at final print size
• Color mode: CMYK (not RGB)
• Bleed: 0.125" (3mm) added on all sides
• Crop marks: Included (if required)
• File format: PDF/X-1a or high-res JPG
• Fonts: Embedded or outlined
• Images: High resolution, properly placed

Recommended Tools

For Print-Ready Exports from Figma

Print for Figma (Free)

• Automatic 300 DPI verification
• CMYK color conversion
• Bleed and crop marks
• PDF/X-1a export
• Perfect for: Business cards, flyers, posters, brochures

For DPI Calculations

Inches to Pixels Calculator

• Quick DPI to pixel conversions
• Common print sizes included

Bleed Calculator

• Calculate correct bleed dimensions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I export at higher than 300 DPI?

Yes, but it's usually unnecessary:

• 300 DPI is the industry standard
• Higher DPI = larger file sizes
• Most printers can't reproduce detail above 300 DPI
• Exception: Very high-end art prints may use 600 DPI

What about exporting at 72 DPI for web?

72 DPI is outdated for web. Modern screens use pixels, not DPI:

• Export at actual pixel dimensions needed
• Use 1x, 2x, 3x multipliers for retina displays
• DPI doesn't matter for web/screen display

Does Figma support 300 DPI export natively?

No. Figma doesn't have built-in DPI settings because:

• It's designed primarily for UI/UX (screen design)
• Screen design uses pixels, not DPI
• You must calculate pixel dimensions manually or use a plugin

Can I use Figma for print design?

Yes! With the right tools:

• Figma is excellent for print design
• Use Print for Figma plugin for print-ready exports
• Benefit from Figma's collaboration and design features

What's the minimum DPI for printing?

• 300 DPI: Professional standard (photos, marketing materials)
• 150-200 DPI: Acceptable for large format (posters, banners)
• Below 150 DPI: Will look pixelated
• 72 DPI: Only for screen display

Conclusion

While Figma doesn't have native 300 DPI export, you have three options:

1. Manual calculation - Time-consuming but free
2. Print for Figma plugin - Automatic, fast, professional results
3. Export scale multiplier - Quick but limited

For professional, hassle-free print-ready exports with proper 300 DPI, CMYK colors, bleed, and crop marks, we recommend using Print for Figma.

Try Print for Figma

• ✅ Free to use
• ✅ Automatic 300 DPI verification
• ✅ CMYK color conversion
• ✅ Professional PDF/X-1a export
• ✅ No calculations needed

Get Print for Figma →

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Related Guides:

• DPI Verification in Figma
• CMYK Color Export
• Understanding Bleed and Crop Marks
• Complete Print Design Guide

Tools:

• Inches to Pixels Calculator
• MM to Pixels Calculator
• Bleed Calculator