What is DPI?
Definition
DPI stands for dots per inch. It describes how many dots of ink a printer places in one inch of paper. In everyday use it is also a number stored in an image file that tells software how large to print the image, but it does not change how many pixels the photo has.
Why it matters for sellers
Sellers who print labels, packaging inserts, posters or catalogs are often asked for a certain DPI. A photo with enough pixels for the print size looks sharp on paper, while one with too few looks soft or blocky no matter what the DPI number says.
On screens and marketplace uploads, DPI usually does not matter. Pixel dimensions decide how a web image looks. Knowing this saves you from chasing a DPI value for a listing photo when only the pixel size counts.
How to do it with Instasize
Instasize can read the DPI stored in a photo and change the value, and it can help you work out the pixels a print size needs.
- Open the Image DPI Checker to see the DPI value saved in your file.
- Open the DPI Converter and add your photo.
- Enter the DPI value your printer or print shop asks for.
- Download the updated file.
- Use the Pixel to Print Size Calculator to confirm the photo has enough pixels for the print size.
Related Instasize pages
Examples
Printed product insert
A seller prints a thank-you card with a product photo. The print shop asks for a certain DPI, and the seller checks that the photo has enough pixels for the card size.
Web listing photo
A shop owner worries that a listing photo is only 72 DPI. For a web upload this rarely matters, since the pixel width and height decide how it looks.
Poster from a phone photo
A phone photo with many pixels prints well at a moderate poster size, but a small screenshot would look blocky at the same size.
Frequently asked questions
Does changing DPI change image quality?
Changing only the DPI value does not add or remove pixels, so it does not change how sharp the image is on screen. It changes the size the file reports for printing.
What DPI do I need?
It depends on the print and the viewing distance. Ask your print shop for their requirement, and check that your photo has enough pixels for the print size.
Is DPI the same as PPI?
They are often used as if they were the same, but DPI refers to printer dots and PPI refers to image pixels per inch. See the PPI term for the difference.
Do marketplaces check DPI?
Most listing rules are written in pixel dimensions. Check the marketplace's current image policy for any DPI requirement.