What Is DPI? Complete Beginner Guide
DPI stands for dots per inch. It describes how many printed dots fit into one inch of paper. In practical terms, higher DPI usually means finer detail in print output.
DPI vs PPI in Simple Words
DPI is about printer dots on physical output. PPI is about pixel density on screens. People mix them up, but they serve different stages of the workflow.
Common DPI Values
- 72 DPI: mostly legacy web reference
- 150 DPI: draft print / large format viewed from distance
- 300 DPI: standard for professional print
- 600 DPI: high-detail technical print
Why 300 DPI Is Common
For photos, brochures, business cards, and editorial layouts, 300 DPI provides reliable sharpness at normal reading distance.
How to Check and Change DPI
Use these tools in order:
FAQ
Is DPI important for web images? Web rendering depends mostly on pixel dimensions and compression, not print DPI.
Can increasing DPI always improve quality? No. If pixel dimensions are too low, metadata change alone does not create detail.
What DPI should I use for printing? 300 DPI is the safest default for most professional print jobs.
How do I check my current DPI? Use our Image DPI Checker.
Can I change DPI on mobile? Yes, you can use the online tools from a mobile browser.
Is DPI the same as resolution? Not exactly; total pixel dimensions also matter for final quality.