Fix Blurry Images in Google Docs to PDF
Blurry images in a PDF from Google Docs are a resolution problem in the source image, not a problem with the export process. Here is how to confirm the cause and replace images for sharp output.
Confirm the blurriness is not from the PDF viewer
Open the PDF in your viewer and zoom to 100%. Some PDF viewers render thumbnails at low resolution when zoomed out. If the image looks sharp at 100% zoom, the resolution is acceptable and the blur was just the viewer's thumbnail rendering. If the image is still blurry at 100%, the source image is low resolution.
Replace with a vector or high-DPI version
For logos, icons, and diagrams, request an SVG or PDF version from the designer. Google Docs accepts SVG files and they export as vectors in the PDF, which means no pixelation at any size. For photographs, get the highest-resolution JPEG or PNG from the original source.
Avoid compressing images before inserting
Do not resize or compress images in external tools before inserting them into Google Docs unless you know the target resolution. Insert the full-resolution file and let Google Docs handle the display scaling. The full-resolution data is used during PDF export.
Screenshots are the most common cause
Screenshots taken on a standard display are 72-96 DPI. In a printed PDF or a PDF viewed at high zoom, these appear blurry. Retake screenshots on a HiDPI (Retina) display, or better yet, use a proper export from the source application instead of a screenshot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does only one image look blurry but others are sharp?
Each image has its own resolution. The blurry image was inserted at a lower resolution than the others. Replace just that image with a higher-resolution version.
Can I make a blurry image sharp after it is in the PDF?
No. You cannot increase the resolution of an image after it is embedded in a PDF. Fix the source image in the Google Doc and re-export.
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