Microscopic optical image density and resolution performance are discussed for laser thermal transfer printing of the dye sublimation type. This printing method provides high resolution because of the high converging property of the laser beam. In this study, optical density profiles of line images printed by dye sublimation type laser thermal transfer printing were measured and compared with images of the wax type in order to clarify the spread of the printed dots. These profiles were explained numerically, using tone reproduction curves. Resolution performance was evaluated, quantitatively, and the maximum resolution was found to be 10,160 dpi. This value was confirmed by the printed microcharacters. Laser dye transfer printing is feasible for printing not only full-color images, but also fine patterns and microcharacters.