Changing dpi for printing

The DPI value is a very much misunderstood number. In simplest terms, all photos, pictures, etc have a width X height pixel size. For a typical iPhone photo this would be about 4000 pixels X 3000 pixels. With those numbers in mind, pretend you wish to print a photo at exactly 300 DPI ….. This would result in a print at 13” X 10”. Now imagine you wish to print that same photo as a 26” X 20” poster. While the photo is exactly the same as in the previous example, the DPI calculation will now be at 150 DPI. The only change being the size of print you wanted.

Are the photos you wish to use within the Photos App on the computer? If the downloaded photos are within the Photos App, click the “i” at the top of the screen to view the photo properties. If the photo files are downloaded from the site, check one of the files by highlighting it and check its properties by holding the Command Key and I. This should show the files dimensions. Please post back with those dimensions.

The example below has a pixel rating of 4764 X 3500 Pixels

The example below has a pixel rating of 1754 X 1173 Pixels.

It all depends on what size image you want to print. First you have to have enough pixels in the image to print at the dpi you want.

For example, if you want an 8 x 10 print at 300 dpi you'll need 2400 pixels x 3000 pixels in the image.

If you're submitting an image to a website that wants 300 dpi you can do that with the demo version of GraphicConverter:

And then this:

You can learn more about dpi with this article: The Myth of DPI 

It depends on the software you are using. Typically it ranges from "draft" - the lowest quality - to "fine" or the highest quality.

If you are printing greeting cards, they would typically be a maximum of 5.5” X 8.5” on each folded side. If you are printing to typical card stock paper, as opposed to a quality photo paper, 300 DPI would probably be overkill. With that in mind, and assuming you wanted a full sized photo on any portion of the folded greeting card, you would need a photo with dimensions of 1650 X 2550 pixels.

When assessing DPI, keep in mind that it is a calculation, based on available pixel size, and intended print size.

What software are you using?

If you check one of the images from that website, what are the pixel dimensions? Only by knowing those dimensions can you determine how large you can print an image at 300 DPI.

Hopefully the article below helps instead of clouding the issue for you.

http://www.rideau-info.com/photos/mythdpi.html

I shall be patient 😀.

Thank you for dropping by OT.