Free DPI Changer
Change your image's DPI for print or screen use. Choose from preset values or enter a custom DPI. See the exact print size at your chosen resolution. Optionally resample to resize pixels for a specific physical size. All processing happens in your browser.
Understanding DPI
DPI (dots per inch) determines how many pixels fit into one inch when printing. A higher DPI means more detail in the printed output. Digital screens typically use 72-96 DPI, while professional print work requires 300 DPI or more.
- 72 DPI: Standard for screens and web. Images look sharp on monitors but may appear blurry when printed large.
- 150 DPI: Good for standard print jobs like flyers, brochures, and casual prints.
- 300 DPI: The standard for high-quality print. Required by most print shops and publishing houses.
- 600 DPI: Used for professional and fine art printing where maximum detail matters.
Metadata vs. Resampling
Metadata only: This changes the DPI tag in the file without altering any pixels. The image dimensions stay the same, but print software will interpret the size differently. Useful when a print service requires a specific DPI setting.
Resampling: This resizes the actual pixels to match a target physical size at the chosen DPI. For example, to print a 6x4 inch photo at 300 DPI, the image needs to be 1800x1200 pixels. Resampling adjusts pixel count accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does changing DPI improve image quality?
- Changing DPI metadata alone does not add detail. It only tells printers how large to print the image. Resampling to a higher resolution can make the image larger in pixels, but it cannot add detail that was not captured originally.
- What DPI should I use for printing photos?
- 300 DPI is the standard for photo printing. Most print shops and online print services require or recommend 300 DPI for the best results.
- Are my images uploaded to a server?
- No. All DPI changes and resampling happen locally in your browser. Your images never leave your device.