Revit Raster Quality for Printing and PDF: DPI Without Huge Files
Revit raster quality should be high enough for the actual sheet content, not automatically set to the maximum. High-DPI raster images can make PDFs very large and slow.
Beginner takeaway: Use the lowest raster quality that clearly preserves the required visual detail, and optimize source images before increasing output DPI.
What you need to understand first
Technical linework often stays vector, while shaded views and imagery are rasterized. The best setting depends on what is actually raster on the sheet.
- Print Setup includes raster quality controls.
- Autodesk warns that high-quality/high-DPI raster images can create large PDFs and recommends 300 DPI or lower for better PDF-export performance.
- Vector content should not be judged solely by raster DPI.
Related guides: Revit Vector vs Raster Printing: Which Processing Mode to Use, Revit PDF File Too Large: Reduce Size Without Ruining Drawings, and AutoCAD PDF Resolution Settings Explained.
Step-by-step workflow
Step 1 — Identify raster content
Where: Sheet views/images
Do this: Find shaded views, imported images and effects.
Check: You know what quality setting affects.
Step 2 — Start with normal quality
Where: Print Setup / PDF Export
Do this: Use a practical raster setting rather than maximum.
Check: Baseline file is manageable.
Step 3 — Export sample
Where: Representative sheet
Do this: Create PDF and inspect at normal print/zoom conditions.
Check: Required detail is readable.
Step 4 — Increase only if needed
Where: Raster quality
Do this: Raise quality for visibly deficient content.
Check: Improvement is real, not theoretical.
Step 5 — Check file size/performance
Where: PDF file and issue workflow
Do this: Compare size and opening/export time.
Check: Setting is practical for the set.
What usually goes wrong
| What you see | Likely layer | First check |
|---|---|---|
| PDF huge | High-DPI images/raster quality | Optimize source images and quality. |
| Shaded view blurry | Raster quality too low | Increase only for affected sheet. |
| Vector text looks poor | Viewer/processing issue | Confirm content is actually vector. |
| Export slow | Raster-heavy sheets | Isolate/optimize images. |
Practical example
A sheet includes a 600-DPI logo and a shaded perspective. If the PDF is enormous, replacing the logo with a properly sized ~300-DPI source can improve performance more than lowering every project’s output quality.
What not to do
- Do not set maximum raster quality office-wide without testing file size.
- Do not upscale low-resolution source images and expect new detail.
- Do not reduce vector linework quality to solve a raster-image problem.
Good office standard
Use a normal raster-quality preset plus a documented high-detail exception. Keep imported image resolution appropriate to its physical print size.
Quick verification before you move on
- Use one representative drawing or sheet, not a production batch.
- Verify page size, orientation and a known dimension.
- Compare Preview/PDF with the physical output when a printer is involved.
- Save the setting or set only after the result is repeatable.
Official references
Frequently asked questions
What does Autodesk recommend for high-DPI images?
For PDF export performance, Autodesk notes 300 DPI or lower as a best practice for images.
Should every sheet use the same raster quality?
Not necessarily. Technical vector sheets and image-heavy presentation sheets have different needs.
Does higher DPI improve vector linework?
Not in the same way; vector geometry remains vector when processed as such.
Explore more in Revit Printing & PDF Guide.