DPI (dots per inch)
Dots per inch, the print density of an image, used with pixel dimensions to work out the physical print size.
DPI only matters for print
On screens, an image is shown at its pixel size, whatever DPI value is written in the file. A 2000 × 2000 pixel render looks the same on a website at 72 DPI or at 300 DPI. DPI becomes important when the image is printed, because it decides the physical size.
The calculation
Print size in inches equals pixels divided by DPI. A 3000 pixel wide image at 300 DPI prints 10 inches wide. At 150 DPI it prints 20 inches wide, but each inch carries half the detail. Our render resolution calculator does this in both directions.
Typical targets
| Use | Common DPI |
|---|---|
| Websites and social media | Pixel size matters, DPI is ignored |
| Brochures and catalogues | 300 |
| Large posters seen from a distance | 150 is often enough |
| Fine art and detailed print | 300 to 600 |
Planning jewelry renders for print
Decide the largest printed size first, multiply it by the printer's DPI and render at least that many pixels. For a 6 inch wide catalogue image at 300 DPI, render at least 1800 pixels wide, and frame the piece in the studio the way it will be printed, because cropping later throws pixels away. RenderMyJewels exports stills at 1K, 2K, 4K or 8K on the long edge, or at a custom width and height. The DPI value shown in the Image tab is only a label and is not written into the file, so the pixel size is what counts. Set the DPI in your layout or print software when you place the image.