The Resolution Chain is a management strategy that states the final print quality is determined by the lowest resolution across the entire production path (from file input to plate output). The goal of this strategy is to identify and remove the element that limits quality, thus preventing unnecessary investment in higher resolutions at other points in the chain.

In Halftone and Screening processes, this chain is vital; because if the input file has low PPI, even if the CTP device operates at a very high DPI, the lost details will not be recovered. Therefore, managing the Resolution Chain is essential to achieve the highest acceptable quality given the physical limitations of the substrate and machinery.