Why does my online proof look fuzzy even though my file is 300 DPI?

A fuzzy-looking proof does not mean anything is wrong with a 300 DPI file. Online proof displays often appear lower resolution than the real product because of how the preview is rendered on screen.

• 300 DPI is correct: that is the right specification for high-quality printing.
• Screen rendering: the proof compresses and rescales your art for on-screen viewing, which softens it.
• The final print: produced from your 300 DPI file, it will be clear and sharp.

So the proof can look fuzzy while your print comes out crisp, which is exactly what to expect at 300 DPI.