Difference between PPI and DPI

PPI (Pixels per Inch) and DPI (Dots per Inch) are both used to measure resolution but PPI is used for digital images, while DPI is more common in print. In this article, we will discuss the differences between PPI and DPI.

PPI vs DPI

What is PPI?

PPI stands for Pixels Per Inch. PPI means the number of pixels in an inch of any digital image. It enhances the clarity, quality, resolution, and definition of the image on the screen. Having a higher PPI means that the print will be clearer. It refers to the resolution of any digital image.

Types of PPI:

PPI is of several types such as:

• Screen PPI: It is a measurement of pixels on the screen per inch that explains and defines the clarity and quality of the image on the device’s screen.
• Print PPI: The printed image can only be clear and of good quality when the image or the print is made with high-resolution standards.
• Scanner PPI: It describes the scanning quality of the scanner.
• Web Design PPI: It plays an important role in web designing as the web pages can be accessed on different types of devices with various sizes of screens a laptop screen is bigger than a smartphone screen so the resolution needs to work according to both so that the website is clear on both the devices. We often call it the responsiveness of a website.

Uses of PPI:

• It is used in image editing.
• It is useful in Video editing.
• It can be experienced in VR and AR.
• E-books have proper readable texts and images for the ones who love to read.
• It plays an important role in User interface design(UI).
• It is useful in creating websites.

Advantages of PPI:

• High-quality images can be produced.
• An image’s resolution can be improved.
• It results in better editing.
• It provides a clear image with sharp details.
• It helps in making the web page responsive.
• It gives better results in digital art on graphic tablets.
• Visuals become more attractive which has an effect on the eyes of the users.
• The increased level of detail makes the work more precise.
• It enhances the presentation of colours and shapes.
• It is helpful in video editing and graphics art.

Disadvantages of PPI:

• The application should be compatible to use on a certain device like smart phones, tablets, MacBooks, laptops, etc.
• We often say that the pixels got cracked, this is because of low PPI.
• The size of the files like images or graphics automatically increases and occupies more space in the memory of the system or gadgets.

What is DPI?

DPI stands for Dots Per Inch. DPI refers to the number of ink dots on a physically printed page. It shows the clarity of the image on the printed page and refers to the printed resolution on the page. Having a higher DPI means that the print will be sharper.

Types of DPI:

DPI is of several types such as:

• Printer DPI: It refers to the resolution of a printed image by any printer.
• Scanner DPI: Scanners use DPI to improve the quality and details of their scans.
• Mouse DPI: It refers to the movement of mouse cursor on the screen of the computer.
• Monitor DPI: It refers to the resolution of laptop or computer monitors.

Uses of DPI:

• It is used for Printing and photocopying.
• Scanning tasks can be clear.
• Graphic tablets
• It is useful in photography and videography.
• It is used in interior designs like wallpapers, PVC etc.
• Digital arts need finishing of details which needs a good understanding and usage of dots on a page.

Advantages of DPI:

• High-quality printouts can be produced
• Precise printing is done.
• Printed texts can be properly read.
• It gives better quality photocopies.
• It makes your document look formal and professional.
• It gives proper effects of colours.
• It helps in photography.
• Arts might look like real.
• It gives proper differentiation in colours on the print.
• Clear details of printed images can be seen and noticed easily which enhances the beauty of the work done.

Disadvantages of DPI:

• A low DPI output can result in a blurry image (non-clear image) on the printed paper or on the screen.
• Costs of print-outs might increase due to the high resolution of images.
• Little knowledge of DPI can result in unsatisfactory results on paper.

Differences Between PPI and DPI

PPI	DPI
It is related to digital images.	It is related to printed image.
Higher PPI indicates that the picture is more clear.	A higher DPI indicates that the printed picture is of high quality.
It is measured in pixels per inch.	It is measured in dots per inch.
It represents the size of pixels of a digital image.	It represents the size of dots of a printed image.
These pictures can be seen on mobiles, tablets, laptops, etc.	These pictures can be accessed through printers.
It is termed for the quality of pictures on the screen.	It is termed for the quality of pictures on the paper.

Conclusion

So we have studied about PPI and DPI in detail starting from their understanding to their comparison and pros or cons.From the above explanation, it is understood that PPI and DPI are not very much different from each other. Some people might get confused about both of the concepts and misuse these terms in their references. But we need to understand these concepts by their usage such as PPI can be used for digital graphics and DPI can be used for printed images.