Media concepts · Comparison
DPI vs PPI
A 3000×2000 pixel photo can be labeled 72 DPI or 300 DPI without changing pixel count. For screens, pixel dimensions dominate. For print, DPI metadata helps page layout tools estimate physical size.
Quick take: PPI (pixels per inch) describes pixel density for screens. DPI (dots per inch) describes printer dot density. Image files store pixel dimensions; DPI metadata is mainly a print hint.
On screens
Browsers display pixels. “72 DPI” myths linger from old Mac displays — modern CSS pixels and device pixel ratios matter more.
In print
Higher effective pixels per printed inch look sharper. Designers often aim near 300 DPI for quality prints of photos.
Conversion note
Changing DPI tags without resampling does not add detail. Upscaling invents pixels; it does not restore true camera detail.
Key points
- PPI ≈ screen pixel density concept.
- DPI ≈ print/device dot density concept.
- Pixel width/height define digital resolution.
DPI vs PPI
DPI
- Dots per inch (print/devices)
- Common in print workflows
- Metadata can set intended print size
PPI
- Pixels per inch (displays)
- Talked about for screen density
- Related to sharpness on phones/monitors
Website image
Pick: Care about pixel dimensions (+ modern formats)
Screens map pixels, not print DPI.
Magazine print
Pick: Ensure enough pixels for target DPI × inches
Physical sharpness needs pixel density.
Examples
Web photo
2000px wide matters; the DPI tag rarely does.
Print flyer
Enough pixels to hit ~300 DPI at the physical print size.
Try it in a converter
Concepts stick better with a real file — processing stays in your browser.
Related concepts
FAQ
If I set DPI to 300 in metadata, is my image print-ready?
Only if pixel dimensions support that density at the physical size you need.
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