Glossary Term
DPI (Dots Per Inch)
A measure of spatial printing or video dot density, which determines the resolution and clarity of a printed barcode or text label.
Why 203 DPI vs. 300 DPI Matters
Most entry-level thermal printers are 203 DPI. While this is fine for large shipping labels, it can struggle with tiny FNSKUs or complex 2D barcodes. A 300 DPI printer produces much sharper lines, which is crucial if you are trying to fit a lot of text (like a full product title) onto a small 1x2 inch label.
DPI and Scannability
If your DPI is too low or your label image is pixelated, the "edges" of your barcode bars will be fuzzy. This makes it hard for warehouse scanners to read the code, leading to those dreaded Amazon chargebacks. Always ensure your source PDF is high-resolution before printing.
- 203 DPI: Standard for shipping labels.
- 300 DPI: Recommended for small product labels and logos.
- Higher DPI = Crisper text and more reliable barcodes.