Images are 250ppi (no exceptions)

This check makes sure that pixel image links are placed at a size so they output at a minimum of 250ppi.

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‘Links’ are made to the original files of images that have been placed into the InDesign document; they might also, less commonly, be text files.

When placing pixel images onto an InDesign page their original resolution (how many pixels the image has over a given measurement) becomes their Actual PPI.

Scaling the image up or down on the InDesign page does not alter the original linked image but does affect the PPI when outputting. The resulting resolution is referred to as the Effective PPI. Increasing the scale of an image causes the Effective PPI to go down; decreasing the scale causes the Effective PPI to go up.

Scaling the image up so that the Effective PPI drops below 250 will result in less than optimal output.

GreenLight dialog indicating an image has been detected with a resolution below the required 250ppi

Aside from file size issues, having too many pixels is rarely a problem. Having too few, however, can mean a loss of definition and image quality.

Fix this problem by sourcing a higher resolution versions of the same image, using an alternative image, or by marking the image as OK.

Tip: It is possible to switch on an Effective PPI column in InDesign's Links panel menu (Window > Links). From the Links panel menu select Panel Options:

The Panel Options dialog is accessed from the Links panel menu

In the Panel Options dialog under the Show Column heading click the checkbox for Effective PPI and click OK.

The Effective PPI checkbox in the Panel Options dialog selected

In the Links panel a new column appears indicating the Effective PPI of pixel images. You may need to adjust the widths of the columns or panel itself to see all the information.

InDesign's Links panel with Effective PPI column added

Adobe links and graphics help