How to Change Image DPI in Microsoft Word

Word silently down-samples embedded images to 220 DPI by default. Two settings — plus an upstream DPI fix — protect print quality.

Step 1 — Stop Word from compressing images

  1. File → Options → Advanced.
  2. Scroll to Image Size and Quality.
  3. Tick “Do not compress images in file”.
  4. Or set Default resolution to High fidelity.

Step 2 — Set the target export DPI

For print, change Default Resolution to 330 ppi (the highest non-fidelity option). For Save-as-PDF jobs, ensure “ISO 19005-1 compliant (PDF/A)” is enabled if archival quality matters.

Step 3 — Tag images at 300 DPI before inserting

Word respects the embedded DPI metadata when sizing images on insert. Run every image through our DPI Converter at 300 DPI first, then insert — the image will appear at its true print size and pass through to PDF cleanly.

Common mistakes

  • Changing the setting after inserting — existing images stay compressed.
  • Saving as “Standard” PDF — this re-compresses to 96 DPI. Use “High Quality Print”.
  • Pasting screenshots from Snipping Tool — they import as 96 DPI; convert with our DPI tool first.

Related guides & tools

→ Change DPI in Canva→ Change DPI in PowerPoint→ Change DPI in Photoshop→ DPI Converter→ DPI Checker→ 96 DPI explained

Related Tools & Guides

Continue with practical tools and supporting tutorials for better image and print outcomes.

DPI Converter DPI Checker Convert to 300 DPI Print Size Calculator Image Compressor DPI for Printing What Is DPI DPI Glossary

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change DPI in Microsoft Word?
File → Options → Advanced → Image Size and Quality. Tick “Do not compress images in file” and set Default resolution to High fidelity (or 330 ppi).
What is Word's default DPI for images?
220 DPI by default. Word silently down-samples inserted images to that resolution unless you disable compression in Options.
Why are images blurry when I save Word as PDF?
Either Word compressed the image when you inserted it, or you saved as “Standard” PDF (which re-compresses to ~96 DPI). Enable “High Quality Print” on Save As PDF.
How can I insert a 300 DPI image into Word safely?
Tag your image at 300 DPI with our DPI Converter first, disable Word’s image compression in Options, then insert. Word will respect the embedded DPI metadata.