When you purchase digital art from us, you might see the term "300 DPI" mentioned. But what does DPI actually mean, and how does it affect your print?
What is DPI? DPI stands for "Dots Per Inch." It's a measure of how many tiny dots of color fit into an inch of your printed artwork. The higher the DPI, the more detailed and sharp the print will be, especially when viewed up close.
How Does DPI Affect Print Size? All of our files are created at 300 DPI, which is considered high resolution and perfect for printing. At 300 DPI, your print will look crisp and clear at standard sizes, like those listed in the table below:
Aspect Ratios and Print Sizes
Aspect Ratio |
Print Size (cm) |
Print Size (inches) |
DPI |
1:1 |
20 x 20 |
8 x 8 |
300 DPI |
1:1 |
50 x 50 |
20 x 20 |
300 DPI |
1:1 |
100 x 100 |
40 x 40 |
150 DPI |
2:3 |
20 x 30 |
8 x 12 |
300 DPI |
2:3 |
50 x 75 |
20 x 30 |
300 DPI |
2:3 |
100 x 150 |
40 x 60 |
150 DPI |
3:2 |
20 x 30 |
8 x 12 |
300 DPI |
3:2 |
50 x 75 |
20 x 30 |
300 DPI |
3:2 |
100 x 150 |
40 x 60 |
150 DPI |
What Happens at Larger Sizes? As you increase the print size, the DPI naturally decreases. For example, a 100 x 100 cm print may have a lower DPI (around 150 DPI). However, this doesn't mean the quality will drop noticeably. Larger prints are typically viewed from a greater distance, so the lower DPI still results in a beautiful, high-quality image.
In Summary:
- 300 DPI is ideal for small to medium-sized prints and ensures sharpness and detail.
- Larger prints may have a lower DPI, but they still look great because they are meant to be viewed from farther away.
- Your print will always look its best at the size it's intended for, and we've optimized our files to ensure you get a beautiful result, no matter the size.