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PPI vs. DPI:: PPI (Pixels Per Inch)

The document discusses the differences between dots per inch (DPI) and pixels per inch (PPI). PPI refers to the pixel resolution of digital images, with higher PPI resulting in higher quality images. DPI refers to the physical dot resolution of printed images, which is determined by the printer. While often confused, PPI and DPI refer to different aspects of an image's resolution and quality for digital versus print.

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484 views4 pages

PPI vs. DPI:: PPI (Pixels Per Inch)

The document discusses the differences between dots per inch (DPI) and pixels per inch (PPI). PPI refers to the pixel resolution of digital images, with higher PPI resulting in higher quality images. DPI refers to the physical dot resolution of printed images, which is determined by the printer. While often confused, PPI and DPI refer to different aspects of an image's resolution and quality for digital versus print.

Uploaded by

The Burnt Bean
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PPI vs.

DPI:
You may have noticed the acronyms DPI and PPI thrown around quite a bit on creative platforms. So,
what do they truly mean? These terms both define the general resolution of an image in separate
realms – digital versus print. Many use DPI and PPI interchangeably, but there are differences
between the two. Let’s clear the air and go over what each acronym means.

PPI (Pixels Per Inch)


If you’re a designer or photographer, you have most likely seen PPI used when exporting or
designing for web. PPI, or pixels per inch, deals with pixel resolution and is usually reserved for
screen and digital image formats. Only raster images can be measured in PPI; vector images are
infinitely scalable and do not rely on pixels. Pixels are “picture elements” – small squares of colour
that become more visible when zoomed in on a raster image.

An image with a higher PPI tends to be of higher quality due to its greater pixel density. The
individual pixels in a 300 PPI image are drastically smaller than in a 72 PPI image. Smaller pixels allow
for a smoother blend of colour and shape. As soon as you enlarge an image, you expand the size of
the pixels, the culprit of those unsightly jagged edges.

Notice the differences between the same leaf image at incremental pixels per inches. Even when
expanded to large proportions, the 300 PPI image appears crisper than the 72 PPI image. The smaller
the pixels, the higher the PPI, and the better the quality.
Manipulating PPI
In any image editing program, like Adobe Photoshop, it’s important to understand the distinction
between resizing and resampling an image. They sound similar, but each achieves a different result.
Navigate to Image > Image Size in the Photoshop program to adjust the size and dimensions.

Image Resizing

In Adobe Photoshop, you can see how decreasing the pixel density of this leaf image increases the
height and width in inches. Resizing the image does not affect the dimensions or size, but rather the
print output. An image set at 300 PPI will be printed at a smaller size than the same image at 72 PPI.

Let’s say an image is measured at 4 by 6 inches at 300 PPI. When decreasing the pixel density to 72
PPI on the Image Size panel, the print output will be larger, even when the image dimensions are the
same. This is because Photoshop is measuring the width and height in inches, which is reserved for
printing purposes.

Image Resampling
Resampling an image refers to adjusting the amount of pixels in an image. When resampling is
checked, notice how the values change. As the resolution in PPI decreases, the image size and
dimensions decrease with it. Notice how the Image Size panel switches over to measuring in pixels, a
measurement reserved for online and web images. At 300 PPI, this image starts out at 5000 pixels by
3407 pixels, but when resampled to 72 PPI the altered image will be smaller at 1200 pixels by 818
pixels.

Resampling is ideal for decreasing the size or dimensions for online upload constraints. Avoid
increasing the resolution when resampling; Photoshop will struggle to add pixels to a lower
resolution image, resulting in fuzzy edges. This same effect is similar to expanding a low quality
image.

PPI Print Standards


When setting an online image to be printed, it’s best to use the correct pixels per inch. Export your
design at 150 or 300 PPI for professional quality standards. Setting an image at a high pixel density
will prepare the image to be printed at a better quality in DPI. Leave 72 PPI for web images when
there are strict file size requirements.

DPI (Dots Per Inch)


DPI refers to the physical dots of ink per inch on a printed or scanned image. Printers do not display
colour in pixels, but rather in layered dots consisting of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK). For
instance, A 300 DPI image displays 90,000 separate dots of pigment inside one inch. If you scan a
printed image and zoom way in, you can visibly see those CMYK dots.

Many confuse DPI for PPI; dots per inch refers to the print output, while pixels per inch represents
the data input of the image.

PPI is easy to manipulate in an image editing program; DPI is a whole different story. Each model and
style of printer produces its own unique DPI based on its printer settings. Inkjet printers produce a
resolution around 300 to 720 DPI, while a laser printer produces images from 600 to around 2,400
DPI. As long as the DPI of the printer matches or exceeds the professional PPI, the image will print at
a high quality. The greater the DPI, the smoother and crisper the printed image will be, to a certain
degree. A 300 DPI image already packs 90,000 dots of colour; going above 300 DPI will not change
the output too much.

Now you’re a DPI vs. PPI master! Using the correct specs can improve your creative workflow and
image quality. Remember, PPI is the data input of an image and the DPI is the printed output of that
image.
Difference Between Raster Images & Vector Images
Raster graphics are best used for non-line art images; specifically digitized photographs,
scanned artwork or detailed graphics. Non-line art images are best represented in raster
form because these typically include subtle chromatic gradations, undefined lines and
shapes, and complex composition.

However, because raster images are pixel-based, they suffer a malady called image
degradation. Just like photographic images that get blurry and imprecise when blown up,
a raster image gets jagged and rough. Why? Ultimately, when you look close enough,
you can begin to see the individual pixels that comprise the image. Hence, your raster-
based logo, magnified to 1000, becomes bitmapped before you know it. Although raster
images can be scaled down more easily, smaller versions often appear less crisp or
“softer” than the original.

Resolution in raster graphics is measured in dpi, or dots per inch. The higher the dpi, the
better the resolution.

Unlike pixel-based raster images, vector graphics are based on mathematical formulas
that define geometric primitives such as polygons, lines, curves, circles and rectangles.
Because vector graphics are composed of true geometric primitives, they are best used
to represent more structured images, like line art graphics with flat, uniform colors.
Unlike raster graphics, vector images are not resolution-dependent. Vector images have
no fixed intrinsic resolution, rather they display at the resolution capability of whatever
output device (monitor, printer) is rendering them. Also, because vector graphics need
not memorize the contents of millions of tiny pixels, these files tend to be considerably
smaller than their raster counterparts. Overall, vector graphics are more efficient and
versatile. Common vector formats include AI, EPS, SVG, and sometimes PDF.

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