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Graphic Design vocabulary · Image Formats & Resolution

Resolution

Meaning in graphic design, with examples

/ˌrɛzəˈluːʃən/nounCore term

In graphic design, resolution means: The amount of detail in a digital image, shown by how many pixels it has or how many pixels or dots fit into one inch. Print usually needs about 300 dpi at final size.

In Turkish: çözünürlük

How it is used

Used with printers, photographers and clients who send small images. Images have high or low resolution; you check, increase or reduce the resolution. People say high-res and low-res in everyday talk.

Example sentences

  1. This photo's resolution is too low for an A3 poster; do you have the original file from the photographer?

  2. Please send high-resolution images, at least 300 dpi at the printed size.

Common collocations

  • high resolution
  • low resolution
  • image resolution
  • check the resolution
  • high-res files
  • DPIDots per inch: a measure of print resolution showing how many dots of ink fit into one inch. About 300 dpi at final size is the usual standard for sharp printed images.
  • pixelThe smallest single point of colour in a digital image or on a screen. Raster images are made of thousands or millions of pixels arranged in a grid.
  • pixelatedDescribes an image that shows visible square pixels and jagged edges, usually because a low-resolution file has been enlarged too much.
  • raster imageA digital image made of a grid of tiny coloured squares called pixels, such as a photo. It has a fixed resolution, so it loses quality when enlarged too much.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Image Formats & Resolution

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