DPI Converter

Change the DPI (dots per inch) of your images online

Upload Image

About DPI Conversion

What is DPI?

DPI (Dots Per Inch) measures the number of individual dots that can be placed within one inch of a printed image. Higher DPI values result in more dots per inch, producing sharper and more detailed prints. DPI specifically refers to printer output resolution, determining how many ink droplets are used to create the final printed image. The more dots packed into each inch, the better the image quality and clarity in physical prints.

Recommended DPI Values

  • 72-96 DPI: Standard for web images and screen display. Optimized for fast loading and digital viewing.
  • 150 DPI: Basic print quality suitable for documents and simple graphics.
  • 300 DPI: Industry standard for professional photo printing, magazines, and brochures. Provides crisp, detailed results.
  • 600+ DPI: Premium printing quality for large format prints, gallery displays, and highly detailed professional work.

Conversion Modes

  • Metadata Only: Updates only the DPI information in the file metadata without altering pixel dimensions. Preserves original image quality and file size. Ideal when you need to change DPI settings for printing requirements without modifying the actual image.
  • Resample Image: Physically resizes the image by adjusting pixel dimensions to match the new DPI value. Changes both file size and image dimensions. Use this when you need the actual pixel count to change for specific print sizes or quality requirements.

Understanding DPI vs PPI

PPI (Pixels Per Inch) describes the resolution of a digital image on screens, while DPI (Dots Per Inch) refers to the physical printer output resolution. The conversion between PPI and DPI is typically 1:1 for most printing purposes. When preparing files for print, focus on PPI in your image editor, as this determines how many pixels will be available for the printer to use.

Print Size and DPI Relationship

Higher DPI values result in smaller print sizes at better quality, while lower DPI produces larger prints with reduced detail. A 3000x3000 pixel image at 300 DPI prints at 10x10 inches, but the same image at 150 DPI prints at 20x20 inches with lower quality. The total pixel count remains constant, but the density changes how those pixels are distributed across the printed surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing DPI without resampling affect image quality?

No, changing only the DPI metadata does not affect the actual image quality or pixel count. You're simply updating the information about how many pixels should be displayed per inch when printed. The image file itself remains unchanged in terms of visual quality and total pixels.

Can I increase DPI to improve a low-quality image?

No, you cannot improve image quality retroactively by increasing DPI. If an image was created or captured at low resolution, simply changing the DPI value won't add detail that wasn't there originally. For better quality, images need to be created at high resolution from the start.

What DPI should I use for web vs print?

For web and screen display, 72-96 DPI is sufficient since screens have fixed pixel density and higher values only increase file size. For printing, use 300 DPI as the industry standard for professional quality. Large format prints viewed from distance can use 150-200 DPI, while detailed professional work may require 600 DPI or higher.

Does changing DPI affect file size?

Changing only metadata (DPI value) has minimal impact on file size. However, resampling the image to match new DPI requirements will significantly change file size. Increasing resolution through resampling adds more pixels, increasing file size, while decreasing resolution reduces pixel count and file size.

Why do some printers require specific DPI settings?

Printers have optimal DPI ranges where they produce the best results. Professional print services typically require 300 DPI because it provides enough detail for high-quality output without unnecessarily large files. Lower DPI may result in visible pixelation, while extremely high DPI beyond the printer's capability won't improve quality but will increase processing time.

Can different image formats store DPI information?

Yes, formats like JPEG, PNG, and TIFF can store DPI information in their metadata. However, some formats handle it differently. JPEG stores DPI in EXIF data, while PNG uses different metadata fields. When converting between formats, DPI information may need to be reapplied.