How does dots per inch work

It would meet the request for ppi at 8" x 10" more pixels are okay. We could also look at it the other way - if the request is for a photo that will print to ppi on 8" x 10" paper, we can multiply ppi by those dimensions and we'll get x pixels or 7.

So, to meet the request, you'll need a digital photo that is at least 7. In fact the simplest and best request for a digital photo would be a high quality photo see the What is a High Resolution Photo section below for a definition of high quality , at X Megapixels, in a specified file type. That's it. This has not been the case for several decades and today that legacy term is only directly applicable to scanning, where one scanning "dot" equals 1 pixel and even then it's not correct since a scanner is really scanning PPI - but most scanning software still uses the term DPI.

It's also not applicable to modern printers since they use a blended dot and they completely remap your image to convert it into print. This setting in a digital photo is simply a conversion calculator, showing you what the printed size will be at any given PPI, or, given a specific printed size, what the PPI will be.

It is a useful setting for graphic artists who are used to working on virtual paper and can be a useful setting to you simply to know what your print resolution might be for different paper sizes rather than having to use a calculator.

But, it has nothing to do with the digital resolution of the photo, those are its pixel dimensions. This is also a very dangerous setting in most photo software since it can be used to re-size the photo which can lead to much grief and misery if not done properly. Please read the Change Size section of this website before you even consider touching the number in this section of your photo software.

What is a High Resolution Photo? A " dpi photo" is sometimes referred to as a high resolution photo. Again this is a badly misused term, the resolution of a digital photo are its pixel dimensions and technically high resolution would refer to the resolving power of the pixels, the number of pixels mapping real world dimensions in the field of view of the photo. If you would like to reference this page or cite this definition, you can use the green citation links above.

The goal of TechTerms. We strive for simplicity and accuracy with every definition we publish. If you have feedback about the DPI definition or would like to suggest a new technical term, please contact us. Want to learn more tech terms? It has been updated with new examples and information. Our newsletter is for everyone who loves design! Let us know if you're a freelance designer or not so we can share the most relevant content for you. By completing this form, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Designers, check out these contests so you can start building your career. Get a design. PPI resolution — What PPI means PPI, or pixels per inch , refers both to the fixed number of pixels that a screen can display and the density of pixels within a digital image. Each pixel is made up of RGB subpixels. PPI, or pixel density, describes the amount of detail in an image based on the concentration of pixels. A lower PPI resolution results in less detail and a pixelated image. A higher PPI resolution results in more detail and a sharper image.

Printer dots mix CMYK inks. DPI describes the amount of detail in an image based on the concentration of printer dots.

Want picture perfect resolution in your design projects? Find a designer today! Browse designers. You're in! You proved us right again. Our newsletter is only for the coolest kids. Only professional photographers or artists with highly detailed work will need resolution that high. Often, these other factors can have more impact on quality and resolution.

For example, sometimes users will change the resolution of an image in software like Photoshop. The pixels in the image are larger, resulting in a pixelated, almost unprintable, image. This is known as upsampling. The printer, and ink used in the printer, can also affect print output. Inkjet printers will bleed, which can lower the appearance of dots per inch for a printed work. Selecting the right DPI printing services and office technology is important.

Dots per inch is one factor that can influence the efficiency and cost of print services. Learn more about business solutions and print services from the experts at Donnellon McCarthy and how they help companies improve efficiency, reduce costs, and achieve performance benchmarks. View Larger Image.