← Glossary

What is DPI?

DPI means dots per inch—how many ink dots a printer places along one inch of paper. It is a print concept, not a magic quality knob for screens.

A passport photo marked 300 DPI at 2×2 inches needs enough pixels (about 600×600) so the print stays sharp. Changing a DPI metadata tag without adding pixels does not invent detail.

For web delivery, pixel width/height and file size matter more than the DPI field in EXIF. Browsers largely ignore DPI when laying out images on a page.

Print shops and some government kiosks still read the DPI tag. If a portal demands “300 DPI,” confirm you also meet the pixel count for the printed size—then set metadata with the DPI converter if required.

Common confusion: upscaling a 200×200 image and stamping 300 DPI does not create a sharp 2×2 inch print. Capture or generate enough pixels first.

Related reading: print-ready DPI guides on the ImgifyTools blog and the passport photo country hub when identity documents are involved.

Related tool: Image DPI Converter