Format
Dimensions
A4 paper size overview
A4 is the most widely used paper size for documents worldwide, especially outside North America. It follows the ISO 216 standard, which ensures consistent proportions when scaling documents up or down.
While A4 is often referenced in inches or centimeters, designing in pixels is essential for accurate layout, especially when switching between digital documents and printed output.
A4 (72 DPI – screen)
Recommended vs supported sizes
For screen-based documents, A4 is commonly designed at 595 × 842 pixels, based on a 72 DPI resolution. This size is suitable for on-screen viewing, previews, and low-resolution digital documents.
Best practices for visibility
Text should be sized for readability on screens without zooming. Avoid dense layouts, as smaller pixel dimensions can make detailed content harder to read.
Quality and export considerations
This size is not suitable for printing. Export screen-based A4 documents separately from print files to avoid quality loss.
A4 (150 DPI - low print)
Recommended vs supported sizes
A4 documents at 1240 × 1754 pixels use 150 DPI, which is suitable for draft printing and internal documents.
Best practices for visibility
Layouts should maintain clear spacing and readable text, but avoid fine graphic details that may not reproduce well at lower print resolutions.
Quality and export considerations
This resolution is acceptable for basic printing but not recommended for professional or commercial use.
A4 (300 DPI - print)
Recommended vs supported sizes
For high-quality printing, A4 should be designed at 2480 × 3508 pixels, based on 300 DPI. This is the standard resolution for professional print output.
Best practices for visibility
Text, charts, and images should be designed at the final size to maintain sharpness. Proper margins help prevent trimming issues during printing.
Quality and export considerations
Always export at full resolution and avoid resizing print files after export, as this can reduce clarity.
DL (300 DPI – print)
Recommended vs supported sizes
DL documents are designed at 1169 × 2480 pixels and are commonly used for envelopes, folded letters, and inserts.
Best practices for visibility
Design layouts with folding and margins in mind. Keep critical text away from edges and fold lines.
Quality and export considerations
DL files should be exported at exact dimensions to ensure correct alignment during printing and folding.
Pro tips for A4 documents
- Always design A4 documents at the final intended DPI
- Use 300 DPI for professional printing
- Keep text and important elements within safe margins
- Avoid scaling screen designs up for print
- Export separate files for digital and print use
How to design and resize A4 Documents Using Picsart
Picsart’s Photo Editor lets you design A4 documents by setting the correct canvas size first, then building your layout using text, images, and layout controls, ensuring your document is ready for screen or print use.
Start by opening the Photo Editor and setting a custom canvas size that matches your intended A4 output, such as 2480 × 3508 pixels for print or 595 × 842 pixels for screen use. Designing at the correct size from the beginning helps prevent scaling and layout issues later. Use theAdd text tool to place titles, body text, and headings directly on the canvas. Adjust font size, alignment, and spacing so text remains readable at the final output size. This is especially important for print documents, where text clarity depends on correct scaling.
If you’re working from an existing design or image, the Image Resizer allows you to resize the canvas to A4 dimensions while keeping proportions intact. This helps convert non-A4 designs into standard document sizes without distortion.
For final output, review spacing and margins visually in the editor, then export at the exact pixel dimensions and highest quality. If you plan to print the document, exporting through Picsart Print helps ensure your A4 design is formatted correctly for production.
FAQ
What size is A4 paper?
What are A4 dimensions in pixels?
A4 dimensions in pixels vary by DPI, commonly 595 × 842 px (72 DPI) and 2480 × 3508 px (300 DPI).
What is the standard A4 size for printing?
The standard print size is 2480 × 3508 pixels at 300 DPI.
What is A4 size used for most often?
A4 is commonly used for documents, letters, reports, resumes, and forms.
Why is A4 the standard paper size in most countries?
It follows the ISO standard, allowing easy scaling and international consistency.
Why does A4 size matter for printing documents?
Incorrect sizing can lead to blurry text, cropping, or scaling issues.
Why does A4 look different on screen versus print?
Screen and print use different resolutions, which affects how the size is displayed.
How do I choose the correct A4 size for my project?
Choose based on whether the document is for screen viewing or print output.
How do I design A4 documents using pixel dimensions?
Set your canvas to the correct pixel size before designing.
How do I resize designs to A4 size without distortion?
Resize proportionally and avoid stretching elements.
How do I export A4 files correctly for print and digital use?
Export separate files optimized for screen and print resolutions.
