What resolution should I choose for competitions?

Answer

Short answer:

For digital submissions or screen presentations, 2K or 4K resolution is typically sufficient. For printed presentation boards (A1 or A0), you should upscale your final images to 6K or 8K to ensure sharp details at 300 DPI.

Overview

Architectural competitions usually have strict submission requirements regarding file size and visual quality. Unlike concept sketches or internal reviews where speed matters most, competition entries are often printed on large-format boards or projected on high-definition screens.

Rendair AI generates initial images at lower resolutions (approximately 1MP or 2K depending on the model) to allow for fast iteration. However, these default sizes are generally too small for final competition panels. To meet professional standards, you must upscale your selected visuals before placing them on your layout.

Recommended resolutions by format

Choosing the right resolution depends on how the jury will view your work.

• Digital submissions (Web/PDF): 4K (approx. 3840 x 2160 pixels). This looks crisp on most monitors without creating unmanageable file sizes.

• Small format print (A3/11x17): 4K is usually adequate for full-page renders at this size.

• Large format print (A1/A0): 6K to 8K. If your render covers a significant portion of an A1 or A0 board, 8K is necessary to prevent pixelation and blurriness when printed.

• Detail shots: 2K or 4K. Smaller vignettes or close-ups that take up less space on the board do not require 8K resolution.

How to achieve high resolution in Rendair

You do not need to generate images at 8K from the start. The workflow is designed to save credits and time during the exploration phase.

1. Generate and Iterate: Create your visuals using standard resolution. This allows you to produce many variations quickly.

2. Select: Choose the specific images that will go on your final board.

3. Upscale: Use the Upscale tool to enhance the selected images. Select 4K, 6K, or 8K based on the guidelines above.

4. Download: Save the high-resolution file for your layout software.

Limitations or notes

• Texture density: At 8K resolution, micro-details become very visible. If the original base image or render has significant noise, upscaling may amplify it.

• File handling: 8K images are large files. Ensure your post-processing software (like Photoshop or InDesign) and hardware can handle the file size efficiently.

• Detail enhancement: The Upscale tool in Rendair is designed to add definition without changing the core design, but slight variations in texture sharpness can occur.