Guide: How To Edit DPI on Microsoft Paint

Reader questions about image resolution are answered in this tutorial. It covers why readers should care, what resolution is best for publishing on a blog, and how to change the DPI in MS Paint.

It is not possible to directly convert dots per inch (DPI) to pixels per inch (PPI), but further information on the two measurements can be found in the article.

Understanding image resolution is essential for anyone who wants to create high-quality images for the web. From bloggers to Instagrammers, Snapchatter wannabes and beyond, it’s important to know how many megapixels your camera phone has and how that relates to image resolution. Knowing the best resolution for online images can help you take your visuals to the next level.

What is an image resolution?

Image resolution is determined by the number of pixels in an image. Higher resolution images contain more pixels, resulting in greater detail and a larger file size. Lower resolution images have fewer pixels, leading to less detail and a smaller file size.

A pixel is like a mosaic tile, only meaningful when part of a larger image. The smaller the tile and the more tiles in the mosaic, the greater the detail in the picture.

Image resolution is measured in PPI (Pixels Per Inch). The higher the number, the more detailed the image; conversely, a lower number results in less detail and larger pixels, potentially leading to a pixelated image.

PPI versus DPI

Confusingly, DPI and PPI are two distinct terms, despite their similar names. While PPI stands for ‘pixels per inch’ and refers to the number of pixels on a screen, DPI stands for ‘dots per inch’ and is used to measure the number of dots printed. Despite the fact that dot matrix printers are no longer in use, these terms remain divided.

Confusion abounds when it comes to DPI, as there is no universal standard. Printer models vary in how they handle this, so the only way to be sure of the output is to be familiar with your device.

No matter the image resolution, HD monitors display pixels at a fixed size, usually between 72 and 300 ppi. Printers, however, don’t have a set pixel size; instead they print CMYK dots of varying sizes depending on how the image is configured.

When it comes to DPI, the focus should be on size, not quantity. Newspapers typically print at 85 DPI, which can be seen up close. For commercial printing, 150 DPI is the minimum requirement; however, higher resolutions are often used.

When it comes to blogs, PPI is more important than DPI. However, when printing an image, DPI should be taken into account. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings.

Which resolution is best for publishing online?

To ensure web images look good without slowing page loading, you must balance detail and file size. The industry standard of 72ppi is outdated as it doesn’t affect load time; instead, focus on reducing file size.

For high-resolution images, most cameras and camera phones manufactured in the last decade are sufficient. To get the desired size, resize the image to the placeholder dimensions and use compression to reduce file size without sacrificing quality. Two web services that can help with this are ShrinkPictures.com and PicResize.com.

How can I change the DPI in MS Paint?

Changing the DPI setting in Microsoft Paint is only necessary if you intend to print the image. When preparing an image for the web, DPI is irrelevant and determined by image quality, meaning it cannot be altered.

The Resolution setting should be accompanied by the DPI value in the middle of the display.

Understanding image resolution can be a complex task. Here, I have only provided a brief overview to answer the questions posed. For more in-depth information, there are numerous websites available online that can provide further insight.

Have questions about the DPI vs PPI debate? Share them in the comments below and get some fun facts!

How To Edit DPI on Microsoft Paint: benefits

Faq

Final note

We hope you found our guide on how to edit DPI on Microsoft Paint helpful. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Show your support by sharing this article with your friends!

If you have any questions about how to edit DPI on Microsoft Paint, need to correct misinformation, or want to add an alternate method, please contact us. We are available through our contact page and social media accounts (Whatsapp, Facebook, and Twitter). We answer questions within 24-48 hours (weekends excluded). For the latest software updates and discussion about any software in your pocket, join our Telegram channel.