The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
In GIMP, the right command depends on what you mean by “resolution.” To change a photo’s intended print size without changing its pixels, choose Image → Print Size…. To change the actual pixel dimensions for a website, screen, email attachment, or print requirement, choose Image → Scale Image….
Changing print resolution does not create detail; scaling resamples the image and changes its number of pixels. For screen and web use, work in pixels rather than inches or PPI.
Which GIMP command should you use?
| Your goal | Use this command | Do the pixels change? |
|---|---|---|
| Set a physical print size or PPI | Image → Print Size… | No |
| Set a width or height in pixels | Image → Scale Image… | Yes |
| Resize only one layer | The layer-specific scaling command | Yes, for that layer |
| Change the surrounding canvas | Image → Canvas Size… | Not necessarily |
Menu labels and dialog layouts can vary slightly between GIMP versions, languages, and platforms. These paths match the current GIMP 3.x documentation. GIMP is free, open-source, and available for GNU/Linux, macOS, Windows, and other platforms. GIMP 2.10 users may see interface differences.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11What “image resolution” means
“Resolution” can describe several different things:
#1 Best Overall
- Wacom Intuos Small Graphics Drawing Tablet: Enjoy industry leading tablet performance in superior control and precision with Wacom's EMR, battery free technology that feels like pen on paper
- Works With All Software: Wacom Intuos tablet can be used in any software program to explore new facets of digital creativity; draw, paint, edit photos/videos, create designs, and mark up documents
- What the Professionals Use: Wacom's industry leading pen technology and pen to paper feeling makes it the preferred drawing tablet of professional graphic designers
- Software and Training Included: Only Wacom gives you software with every purchase. Register your Intuos tablet and gain access to some of the best creative software and Wacom's online training
- Wacom is the Global Leader in Drawing Tablet and Displays: For over 40 years in pen display and tablet market, you can trust that Wacom to help you bring your vision, ideas and creativity to life
- Pixel dimensions: the amount of image data, such as 4000 × 3000 pixels.
- Print resolution: usually expressed as PPI, or pixels per inch. It describes how many image pixels are assigned to each inch of a print.
- Printer resolution: usually expressed as DPI, or dots per inch, referring to the printer’s physical ink or toner dots. PPI and printer DPI are related but are not the same measurement.
- Display size: how large an image appears on a monitor or phone. This depends mainly on pixel dimensions, the application, zoom level, device, and display settings—not simply on embedded PPI.
For ordinary web and screen use, work in pixels. A 1200 × 800 image will generally display according to those pixel dimensions even if its metadata says 72 PPI, 150 PPI, or 300 PPI.
Change print resolution without resampling
Use this method when you want to change the physical size of a print while preserving the image’s existing pixels. It is the appropriate option if someone asks you to “change the DPI” but does not require a new pixel size.
- Open the image in GIMP.
- Choose Image → Print Size….
- In the Set Image Print Resolution dialog, choose a physical unit such as inches, millimeters, or centimeters.
- Enter the desired X resolution and Y resolution. For most photographs, use the same value for both.
- Keep the chain or link enabled if the values should remain equal.
- Alternatively, enter the desired printed width or height. GIMP will calculate the corresponding resolution when the dimensions remain linked.
- Click OK.
- Save or export the image in the format required by your print workflow.
GIMP’s Print Size command changes the image’s intended physical print dimensions and resolution information, but it does not add or remove pixels or resample the image. See the official GIMP Print Size documentation.
Example: changing the print size
A 3000 × 2400-pixel image set to 300 PPI prints at:
- 3000 ÷ 300 = 10 inches wide
- 2400 ÷ 300 = 8 inches high
If you change the print resolution to 150 PPI, the same image becomes approximately 20 × 16 inches. The pixel dimensions remain 3000 × 2400 in both cases.
If an image appears unchanged on screen after using Print Size, that is expected. You changed print metadata and the calculated physical print size, not the screen-sized pixel data.
Change the actual pixel dimensions
Use Image → Scale Image… when the destination requires a particular width or height in pixels—for example, 1920 pixels wide for a screen image, 1200 × 800 pixels for a website, or a smaller image for email.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #2
- Word-first 16K Pressure Levels: The upgraded stylus features 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity and supports up to 60 degrees of tilt, delivering smoother lines and shading for a natural drawing experience. With no battery or charging needed, it operates like a real pen, making it easy for beginners to create effortlessly. This functionality helps novice artists develop their skills and explore their creativity without the intimidation of complex tools
- Designed for Beginners: This drawing pad desinged with 8 customizable shortcuts for both right and left-hand users, express keys create a highly ergonomic and convenient work platform
- Perfectly Adapted for Android: The XPPen Deco 01 V3 art tablet supports connections with Android devices running version 10.0 and above. It is recommended to download the XPPen Tools Android application, which adapts to your smartphone's screen aspect ratio, ensuring accurate mapping. It also supports mapping on Android screens with different aspect ratios in portrait mode
- Large Drawing Space, Bigger Bold Inspiration: This expansive drawing pad has10 x 6.25-inch helps you break through the limit between shortcut keys and drawing area
- Easy Connectivity for Beginners: The Deco 01 V3 offers USB-C to USB-C connectivity, plus adapters for USB C. This ensures easy connection to various devices, allowing beginner artists to set up quickly and focus on their creativity without compatibility concerns. Whether using a laptop, tablet, or desktop, the Deco 01 V3 provides a seamless experience, making it an ideal choice for those just starting their digital art journey
- Open the image in GIMP.
- Choose Image → Scale Image….
- In the Image Size section, set the unit to pixels if your target is for a screen, website, social platform, or file-size limit.
- Enter the desired Width or Height.
- Leave the chain icon linked to preserve the original aspect ratio.
- Choose an interpolation method in the Quality section.
- Click Scale.
- Export the result with File → Export As….
Scale Image changes the number of pixels and scales the image contents and canvas accordingly. GIMP removes pixels when reducing an image or calculates new pixels when enlarging it. The official Scale Image documentation explains the command and its options.
Do not distort the image
Keep the chain icon beside Width and Height linked when resizing proportionally. If you change only one dimension with the link broken, GIMP can stretch or squash the image. If the target has a different shape from the original, crop the image first or use a deliberate canvas-and-crop workflow instead of distorting it.
Change pixel dimensions and print resolution together
The Scale Image dialog also includes X and Y resolution fields. This lets you set a particular combination of pixel dimensions, physical print dimensions, and print resolution.
- Changing Width and Height in pixels resamples the image.
- Changing physical-unit fields and PPI determines how the available pixels are assigned to a print.
If the requirement says “make this 2000 pixels wide,” use pixels. If it says “make this 8 × 10 inches at 300 PPI,” calculate or set the required pixel dimensions instead.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsUseful print-resolution calculations
Use these formulas:
- Printed size in inches = pixel dimension ÷ PPI
- Required pixels = printed size in inches × target PPI
For example:
- 8 × 10 inches at 300 PPI requires 2400 × 3000 pixels.
- 12 × 18 inches at 150 PPI requires 1800 × 2700 pixels.
- A 6000 × 4000-pixel photo at 300 PPI prints at 20 × 13.33 inches.
- The same photo at 200 PPI prints at 30 × 20 inches.
These are calculations, not universal GIMP or printer defaults. Suitable PPI depends on the printer, paper, source quality, viewing distance, and print provider. GIMP’s print-scaling guidance describes 300 PPI or higher as very high print quality, 150–200 PPI as often acceptable depending on viewing distance, and values below 100 PPI as visibly coarse for close viewing. Follow your provider’s specifications.
How to increase resolution
There are two very different meanings of “increase resolution.”
Increase PPI without adding pixels
Using Image → Print Size… to raise the PPI value assigns more existing pixels to each inch of print. The physical print becomes smaller, but no new detail is created.
Rank #3
- Customize Your Workflow: The 6 customizable press keys on Huion H640P drawing tablet for pc let you assign your most-used commands—like undo, zoom, brush switch, or save—so you can keep your hands on the tablet and your mind on the art. Whether you're a digital painter switching brushes, or a comic artist zooming in and out, these keys keep your workflow smooth and uninterrupted. Plus, the Huion driver lets you save different shortcut profiles for different apps, so you never have to reconfigure when switching software.
- Professional Pen Performance: Huion H640P drawing pad for computer comes with the battery-free PW100 stylus that's always ready when inspiration strikes. With 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, every light sketch, or bold stroke responds naturally to your hand—just like a real pen. The 5080 LPI resolution and 233 PPS report rate deliver lag-free, precise strokes, so you can draw confidently without second-guessing your cursor. The pen side buttons help you switch between pen and eraser instantly.
- Compact and Portable: Huion H640P computer graphics tablet features a compact, ultra-portable design at just 0.3 inches thin and 0.61 lbs light, so it slides easily into your backpack—perfect for sketching in coffee shops, taking notes in class, or editing on the go between home and studio. The 6x4 inch active area offers enough room for natural pen movements while fitting comfortably on crowded desks, or lecture hall seats.
- Stable Compatibility: Huion H640P graphic drawing tablet works seamlessly with Mac, Windows, Linux PCs, and Android smartphones/tablets (OS version 6.0 or later). Left-handed friendly, and you just need to flip the tablet and adjust the settings in the driver. Please note: H640P does NOT support iPhone/iPad.
- Move Beyond the Mouse: Huion Inspiroy H640P is a pen tablet that replaces your mouse for more natural, precise control. Freehand draw, take notes, or even play OSU—everything you do with a mouse, you can do better with a pen. The precise tip makes it ideal for detailed photo editing, graphic design, or signing PDF. Meanwhile, the ergonomic pen grip helps you avoid the strain that comes from hours of using a mouse.
Increase the pixel dimensions
Using Image → Scale Image… enlarges the image and generates additional pixels through interpolation. A modest enlargement may produce a usable result, but interpolation cannot recover detail that the camera, scanner, or original file never captured. A higher PPI number alone cannot make a blurry or heavily compressed source sharp.
Choose a high-quality interpolation option when enlarging an important image, then inspect the result at 100% zoom. Available method names can vary by GIMP release and configuration, so compare the options on your specific image rather than assuming one is always best.
How to reduce resolution
Choose the operation based on the outcome:
- Lower the print PPI: use Image → Print Size…. Pixel dimensions remain unchanged, but the calculated print becomes larger.
- Reduce pixel dimensions: use Image → Scale Image…. GIMP removes pixels, which usually reduces file size and can make the image more practical for web or email use.
Downscaling removes information, but it can make an image look cleaner or sharper at its final display size and can reduce the visibility of small noise and artifacts. Repeated JPEG exports can also introduce additional compression artifacts.
Resolution for websites and screens
For screen use, set the target width and height in pixels with Image → Scale Image…. Do not change an image from 72 PPI to 300 PPI expecting it to appear sharper in a browser if it remains 1200 × 800 pixels.
GIMP’s tutorial notes that print-resolution metadata does not determine an image’s displayed size on a monitor or mobile device; display software and device behavior do. Export using the format and quality settings appropriate for the destination, and check the final file’s pixel dimensions before uploading it. See the GIMP screen-scaling explanation.
Preparing an image for printing
Start with the print provider’s requirements rather than a generic “300 DPI” rule. A provider may specify a physical size, minimum pixel dimensions, target PPI, file format, bleed, crop marks, or color profile.
Changing PPI metadata cannot satisfy a minimum pixel-dimension requirement. If the source has too few pixels, print it smaller, accept a lower effective resolution, or resample it with Scale Image. Embedded print-resolution metadata may be handled differently by file formats and downstream applications, so do not assume every printer or print service will honor it.
Rank #4
- PLEASE NOTE：XPPen Artist13.3 Pro drawing tablet Need to connect with computer,you need to use it with your computer or laptop, the 3 in 1 cable is included
- Drawing Tablet with Screen: Tilt Function- XPPen Artist 13.3 Pro supports up to 60 degrees of tilt function, so now you don't need to adjust the brush direction in the software again and again. Simply tilt to add shading to your creation and enjoy smoother and more natural transitions between lines and strokes
- Graphics Tablets: High Color Gamut- The 13.3 inch fully-laminated FHD Display pairs a superb color accuracy of 88% NTSC (Adobe RGB≧91%，sRGB≧123%) with a 178-degree viewing angle and delivers rich colors, vivid images, and dazzling details in a wider view. Your creative world is now as powerful as it is colorful
- Drawing Pad: One is enough- The sleek Red Dial on the display is expertly designed with creators in mind, its strategic placement allows for natural drawing postures. With just one wheel, you can effortlessly zoom in and out, adjust brush sizes, and flip the canvas—all tailored to suit the habits of everyday artists. The 8 customizable shortcut keys allow you to personalize your setup, streamlining your workflow and enhancing creative efficiency
- Universal Compatibility & Software Support：supports Windows 7 (or later), Mac OS X 10.10 (or later), Chrome OS 88 (or later), and Linux systems. Fully compatible with major creative software including Photoshop, Illustrator, SAI, and Blender 3D. Register your device to access additional programs like ArtRage 5 and openCanvas for expanded creative possibilities.
Also check the printer or operating-system dialog. Options such as Fit to page, Scale to fit, borderless enlargement, shrinking oversized pages, or a custom percentage can override the physical dimensions set in GIMP. Where appropriate, select actual size or 100% scaling and confirm the paper’s printable area.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Layers, canvas, and large files
Scale Image operates on the entire image and scales its contents, including layers and channels. Very small layers may shrink to one pixel or become effectively invisible when the image is reduced substantially. If only one layer should change, use the layer-specific scaling command instead.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Canvas Size is different: it changes the surrounding canvas area without necessarily resizing the existing contents.
Very large enlargements can consume substantial memory and make GIMP slow or unresponsive. Save a copy first, close unnecessary images, and avoid overwriting the original. If the workflow permits it, flattening can reduce complexity, but it also removes the ability to edit layers separately. For especially large files, test a representative section or a smaller copy before committing to the full operation. GIMP documents a default warning threshold of 128 MiB for a newly scaled image in its relevant system-resource settings, although actual memory use depends on the image, layers, channels, operating system, and configuration.
Troubleshooting
“Changing DPI made the image smaller.”
This is normal in Print Size. Raising PPI assigns more pixels to each inch, so the calculated physical print size decreases. The pixel dimensions have not changed.
“The image still looks blurry after setting 300 DPI.”
The source may lack detail, may already be compressed or blurred, or may have been enlarged through interpolation. Viewing at an extreme zoom level can also exaggerate softness. Changing print metadata cannot restore lost detail.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
“The image looks unchanged on screen.”
That is expected when you changed only print resolution. Use Scale Image and change the pixel dimensions if the screen or website requires a different displayed size.
Best Value
- Battery-Free Pen: StarG640 drawing tablet is the perfect replacement for a traditional mouse! The XPPen advanced Battery-free PN01 stylus does not require charging, allowing for constant uninterrupted Draw and Play, making lines flow quicker and smoother, enhancing overall performance
- Ideal for Online Education: XPPen G640 graphics tablet is designed for digital drawing, painting, sketching, E-signatures, online teaching, remote work, photo editing, it's compatible with Microsoft Office apps like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Zoom, Xsplit etc. Works perfect than a mouse, visually present your handwritten notes, signatures precisely
- Compact and Portable: The G640 art tablet is only 2 mm thick, it's as slim as all primary level graphic tablets, allowing you to carry it with you on the go
- Chromebook Supported: XPPen G640 digital drawing tablet is ready to work seamlessly with Chromebook devices now, so you can create information-rich content and collaborate with teachers and classmates on Google Jamboard’s whiteboard; Take notes quickly and conveniently with Google Keep, and effortlessly sketch diagrams with the Google Canvas
- Multipurpose Use: Designed for playing OSU! Game, digital drawing, painting, sketch, sign documents digitally, this writing tablet also compatible with Microsoft Office programs like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote and more. Create mind-maps, draw diagrams or take notes as replacement for mouse
“The image became stretched.”
Undo the change and repeat it with the chain icon linked. If the destination has a different aspect ratio, crop or extend the canvas intentionally rather than entering unrelated width and height values.
“The printed size is wrong.”
Check both the image’s print settings and the printer dialog. Disable fit-to-page or other automatic scaling and select actual size or 100% where appropriate. A print service may ignore or reinterpret embedded PPI metadata.
“The wrong layer changed.”
Undo the operation and confirm whether you used Image → Scale Image… or the layer-specific scaling command. Image scaling affects the whole image; layer scaling affects only the selected layer.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Quick reference
| Goal | Command or setting | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Change print size or PPI only | Image → Print Size… | Pixels stay the same |
| Change pixel dimensions | Image → Scale Image… | Image is resampled |
| Keep proportions | Leave the chain linked | Prevents stretching |
| Enlarge an image | Scale Image with interpolation | Adds estimated pixels, not original detail |
| Prepare for screen or web | Set dimensions in pixels | Matches the destination’s pixel requirement |
For technical workflows, GIMP 3’s developer API provides an image-scale method that changes image width and height and scales layers and channels, as well as a set_resolution method that changes resolution in dots per inch without resizing the image. See the Image.scale API documentation and Image.set_resolution API documentation.
FAQ
Does changing DPI in GIMP make an image sharper?
No. Changing print resolution with Print Size changes the intended print size but does not add pixels or restore lost detail. Use Scale Image to change pixel dimensions, but interpolation cannot recreate detail that was never captured.
Should I use Print Size or Scale Image?
Use Print Size to change physical print dimensions or PPI without changing pixel count. Use Scale Image when you need different pixel dimensions for a screen, website, email, or print requirement.
What resolution should I use for printing?
Follow the print provider’s specifications. GIMP’s guidance describes 300 PPI or higher as very high print quality, 150–200 PPI as often acceptable depending on viewing distance, and below 100 PPI as visibly coarse for close viewing; these are guidance ranges, not universal requirements. See GIMP’s print-scaling guidance.
Why does my image look the same after changing its print resolution?
Because Print Size changes print metadata and calculated physical size, not the image’s pixel dimensions. For screen or web display, change pixel dimensions with Scale Image if needed.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
