Learn how to properly adjust your image's resolution in Photoshop for print or web use. This guide walks you through the Image Size dialog to control pixels per inch (PPI) effectively.
With your image open, navigate to the top menu and select Image > Image Size. The keyboard shortcut is Alt + Ctrl + I on Windows or Option + Cmd + I on Mac.
In the Image Size window, you will see fields for Dimensions, Width, Height, and Resolution. The resolution is typically measured in Pixels/Inch (PPI).
To change the resolution without altering the pixel data (the best practice for print prep), uncheck the Resample box. Notice how the Width and Height values now change along with the Resolution, while the pixel dimensions at the top remain constant.
Type your desired value into the Resolution field. A standard for high-quality printing is 300 PPI, while 72 PPI is common for web images.
Click OK to close the dialog box and apply the new resolution to your image. Save your file to preserve the changes.
Pro Tips for Managing Image Resolution
Use 300 PPI for high-quality prints to ensure sharpness. For web and screen displays, 72 PPI is sufficient and helps keep file sizes small for faster loading.
Only check the Resample box if you need to change the actual number of pixels in the image (upscaling or downscaling). Be aware that upscaling can degrade image quality.
Keep the link icon between Width and Height enabled to ensure your image's proportions are constrained, preventing distortion when you make size adjustments.
Always save a copy of your image before making resolution changes. This allows you to revert to the original high-quality file if needed.
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