Definition of DPI (dots per inch) - DPI

When we read the specifications of any screen, be it that of a smartphone, tablet, computer, TV, or even the small screen that a smartwatch presents, there is a parameter that puzzles many: the dots per inch.

The dots per inch, dpi by your initials, or dpi in English (dots per inch) is the measurement of pixels that are counted in a linear inch (2.54 mm).

This measure applies to both screens and printers, on any surface on which they are displayed. images generated by an electronic device.

The higher the dpi index, the better the definition offered by the device in rendering the images.

In this way, for example, a smartphone that has, say, less than 300 dpi for the screen, will have a resolution that we could qualify as "fair" or poor, while the closer to 600 dpi, the better its resolution in screen.

We should not confuse pixel resolution with pixels per inch.

For example, a 14-inch screen that offers a resolution of 1920x1080 will have a lower dpi than a 5.6 inches that offer the same resolution, and typically the technologies in which both are manufactured will also be different.

Ultimately, the dots per inch setting indicates the pixel density of the print or screen.

When we print a Photography, for example, if we do it with a low number of dpi, when we approach the picture we will see a low definition, and we will be able to appreciate the points individually, which is not good for the quality from image.

Therefore, when we carry an image (or, in general, any document) to a printing company for printing on paper, when exporting it we must do it with the maximum number of dpi's possible, since in this way the original supplied will have the highest quality.

Quality is a very sensitive parameter, since if we want or need it, we can always reduce it, but we cannot increase it from a lower quality original.

The resolution at which a photograph or drawing is found will directly affect the size at which it is we can print it, since the larger the print size, the higher the pixel density we will need.

Consequently, and as the pixel density (the number of dpi) is limited by the technology, it will also increase the pixelation of the image.

The number of dpi of a screen is improved as technology advances. Apple's Retina displays were the first to provide a record number of dpi, but the competence it has quickly caught up.

Photo: Fotolia - morkdam