Understanding DPI settings, Image Size in pixels and how they affect the print size
All you need to know about DPI configuration and image size
When artists upload images on ArtMajeur, or when customers buy a downloadable image file from ArtMajeur, they often ask about the DPI (Dots Per Inch) configuration. It's important to understand that DPI settings are not fixed by ArtMajeur but are decided by the customer when they choose to print the image.
What is DPI?
- DPI (Dots Per Inch) is a measure of print quality. It tells you how many dots (or pixels) are printed in each inch of the image. A higher DPI means more dots per inch, resulting in a sharper and more detailed print.
How DPI Relates to Image Size in Pixels
- Image Size in Pixels:
When ArtMajeur sells an image, it's described in terms of its pixel dimensions (e.g., 3000x2000 pixels). These pixel dimensions determine the total resolution of the image. - Printing and DPI:
When you print the image, you can choose the DPI setting. This setting determines how many of those pixels will fit into each inch of the printed image:- For example, an image that is 3000 pixels wide:
- At 300 DPI (high-quality print), it will print at 10 inches wide (3000 pixels / 300 DPI).
- At 150 DPI (acceptable for larger prints), it will print at 20 inches wide (3000 pixels / 150 DPI).
Who Decides the DPI?
- DPI is Set by the Customer During Printing: ArtMajeur provides the image file with its pixel dimensions. The DPI setting is not fixed in the file. Instead, it’s up to the customer to choose the DPI when they print the image. This choice will determine how large and how detailed the print will be.
- Flexibility: This approach gives customers flexibility. They can decide how large they want to print the image and what level of detail they need based on the intended use (e.g., small fine art prints versus large posters).
Image Size and Printing Size Chart
This chart provides an idea of print sizes based on DPI settings and the original image size in pixels. While these examples give a general guideline, some images can be printed at larger sizes while still maintaining great quality. Factors such as the number of colors, sharpness of details, contrast, and the type of subject matter can significantly affect the perceived print quality. For example, printing a detailed image of a face requires high detail to look good, whereas printing an abstract shape allows for larger print sizes without noticeable loss of quality.
| Pixels Size | Print Size at 300 DPI | Print Size at 150 DPI | Print Size at 72 DPI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1200 x 1800 | 10.2 x 15.2 cm (4" x 6") | 20.3 x 30.5 cm (8" x 12") | 42.4 x 63.5 cm (16.7" x 25") |
| 2400 x 3600 | 20.3 x 30.5 cm (8" x 12") | 40.6 x 61 cm (16" x 24") | 84.6 x 127 cm (33.3" x 50") |
| 3000 x 4500 | 25.4 x 38.1 cm (10" x 15") | 50.8 x 76.2 cm (20" x 30") | 106 x 158.8 cm (41.7" x 62.5") |
| 3600 x 5400 | 30.5 x 45.7 cm (12" x 18") | 61 x 91.4 cm (24" x 36") | 127 x 190.5 cm (50" x 75") |
| 4800 x 7200 | 40.6 x 61 cm (16" x 24") | 81.3 x 121.9 cm (32" x 48") | 169.4 x 254 cm (66.7" x 100") |
| 6000 x 9000 | 50.8 x 76.2 cm (20" x 30") | 101.6 x 152.4 cm (40" x 60") | 211.4 x 317.5 cm (83.3" x 125") |
| 7200 x 10800 | 61 x 91.4 cm (24" x 36") | 121.9 x 182.9 cm (48" x 72") | 254 x 381 cm (100" x 150") |
| 9600 x 14400 | 81.3 x 121.9 cm (32" x 48") | 162.6 x 243.8 cm (64" x 96") | 338.2 x 508 cm (133.3" x 200") |
Summary
- ArtMajeur provides the high-resolution image in pixel dimensions. This ensures the image can be printed in various sizes with good quality. Always check the size in pixels and make sure it is compatible with your project.
- The DPI setting is chosen by the customer when they decide to print the image. This setting will influence the print’s size and sharpness.
The size of an image in pixels provides the actual size of this image: this is the best possible size you can get from this image file, unless you use some AI image enhancement app, or obtain a higher resolution photo of the artwork. On the other hand, the DPI settings are how much pixels customer is instructing the printer to print on a given inch or paper. So the image quality is really given by the image size in pixels.