Understanding Resolution, DPI, and Print Size
Pixels, dots, and inches don't mean the same thing. Here's the difference that actually affects your work.
Try It FreeThe Three Terms People Mix Up
Resolution is pixel count: 4000x3000 is a resolution. DPI is a print instruction that tells the printer how many dots per inch to lay down. Print size is what you get when you divide pixel count by DPI. None of them affect how an image displays on the web.
For product photography, pixel count is what matters for online use. DPI only kicks in when you print. Retouchable exports at 1K, 2K, and 4K for web and can deliver enough resolution for print work up to A3 at 300 DPI without upscaling.
How It Works with Retouchable
Start With Pixel Count
A 4000x3000 image is the same image at 72 DPI or 300 DPI. Only the metadata differs.
Pick DPI for Print
300 DPI is the default for high quality print. 150 for large format. The web ignores DPI entirely.
Calculate Print Size
Divide pixel dimensions by DPI to get inches. 3000 pixels / 300 DPI = 10 inches print.
5 Resolution Tips
DPI Doesn't Affect Web Display
A 72 DPI and a 300 DPI image at the same pixel count render identically in a browser. Web sizing is pixels only.
Don't Upscale for Print
Upscaling invents pixels that weren't there. Better to print smaller at native resolution than to enlarge and lose detail.
4K Is Enough for Most Print
4K (around 4000 pixels wide) prints beautifully at A3 and is plenty for most product catalogs.
Phone Zoom Rewards Resolution
On Shopify and Amazon, users pinch-zoom on mobile. Higher source resolution means sharper zoom views.
Keep the Master Big
Archive your largest version. Downsizing for web is free, re-creating the large version later is not.
4K Product Images From Any Upload
Render at native high resolution without upscaling tricks or manual sharpening.
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Up to 4K Export
Export product images at 4K resolution for crisp pinch-to-zoom on product pages.
Multiple Export Sizes
Download 1K, 2K, or 4K from the same source render without re-uploading.
No Upscaling Artifacts
Renders at native high resolution rather than upscaling from a small source.
Print-Ready Output
4K exports are suitable for catalogs and large-format print at 300 DPI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 72 DPI matter for web?
No. Web browsers ignore DPI. Only the pixel dimensions affect how the image displays.
What DPI should I use for Amazon?
DPI doesn't matter for Amazon. They care about pixel dimensions. Aim for 1600 on the long edge or higher.
Can I upscale a small image to print quality?
You can try, but the result usually looks soft or plasticky. Better to shoot or render at native resolution.
What's the biggest I can print a 4K image?
A3 (roughly 11x17 inches) at 300 DPI. Larger prints at lower DPI also work for poster-viewing distances.
Ready for Print-Grade Output?
Retouchable exports at 4K for web and catalog-ready print.
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