High-Resolution Images: Why They Matter and How to Find the Best Artwork for Your Custom Awards
When designing a custom award, trophy, or deal toy, the quality of your artwork can make all the difference. A beautifully designed piece deserves crisp logos, sharp graphics, and high-resolution images that reflect the professionalism of your brand.
Whether you're uploading a company logo, product image, or transaction graphic, understanding image resolution will help ensure your finished piece looks exceptional.
What Is a High-Resolution Image?
A high-resolution image contains enough detail to remain sharp and clear when printed. Unlike images optimized for websites or social media, print-quality artwork maintains its clarity even when enlarged.
High-resolution images are especially important for:
- Company logos
- Product photos
- Building images
- Maps
- Deal graphics
- Event photography
- Custom illustrations
Using quality artwork helps ensure every detail is reproduced accurately on your award.
Why Image Quality Matters
Unlike digital screens, printed products reveal every detail of an image. A logo that appears perfectly acceptable on a website may become blurry or pixelated once printed on crystal, acrylic, wood, or metal.
Using high-resolution artwork provides several benefits:
- Sharper text and graphics
- More vibrant colors
- Cleaner edges
- Better reproduction of fine details
- A more premium finished product
When celebrating an important achievement, presentation matters.
What Happens If You Use a Low-Resolution Image?
Low-resolution artwork can lead to:
- Blurry logos
- Pixelated graphics
- Jagged edges
- Fuzzy text
- Reduced overall print quality
Unfortunately, these issues often cannot be corrected once production begins, which is why reviewing your artwork beforehand is so important.
The Best File Types for Printing
Whenever possible, use one of the following formats:
Vector Files (Best Option)
Vector artwork can be resized without losing quality.
Recommended formats include:
- AI
- EPS
- SVG
- PDF (created from vector artwork)
These files are ideal for company logos and graphic elements.
High-Resolution Raster Images
If vector artwork isn't available, use:
- PNG
- TIFF
- High-quality JPEG
Aim for images that are at least 300 DPI at the size they will be printed.
Where Can You Find Better Versions of Your Logo?
If you don't have access to the original artwork, here are a few places to check.
Your Company's Brand Guidelines
Many organizations maintain a brand portal containing approved logo files in multiple formats.
Marketing Department
Your marketing or communications team often has access to original vector artwork.
Design Agency
If your logo was professionally designed, the agency can usually provide the original files.
Company Website
Although website logos are often optimized for digital use, some websites include downloadable press kits or media resources containing higher-quality versions.
LinkedIn Company Page
Many businesses upload higher-quality logos to their LinkedIn profiles that may be more suitable than versions found elsewhere.
Can AI Improve a Low-Resolution Image?
Modern AI-powered upscaling tools can sometimes improve low-resolution images by increasing sharpness and detail. While these tools can be helpful, they cannot recreate information that doesn't exist in the original file.
Whenever possible, using the original high-resolution artwork will always produce the best results.
Tips for Uploading Artwork
Before submitting your order:
- Use the original file whenever possible.
- Avoid screenshots or images copied from websites.
- Don't enlarge a small image to make it appear larger.
- Verify that text remains readable.
- Double-check your logo colors and proportions.
- Save your design before placing your order.
These simple steps can dramatically improve your final product.
What If You're Not Sure Your Image Is Good Enough?
Don't worry—we're here to help.
If you've created your design using Altrum's online customization tool, simply save your design before placing your order. Our team can review your artwork and let you know if the image quality is suitable for printing or recommend improvements if needed.
Our goal is to ensure every award, trophy, or deal toy looks as polished and professional as the achievement it represents.