Changing the resolution of an image in Paint.net is done through the Resize dialog box.
To change the resolution in Paint.net, follow these steps:
- Open Your Image: Open the image you want to resize in Paint.net.
- Access the Resize Dialog: Go to the menu bar and click on Image, then select Resize... (or use the shortcut Ctrl+R).
- Locate Resolution Setting: In the Resize dialog box, find the Resolution section. This is usually located within the Pixel size area.
- Change the Resolution Value: Under the "Pixel size" section of the Resize dialog box change the resolution value to "72" or "72.00". This value represents Pixels Per Inch (PPI) or Dots Per Inch (DPI), which affects how the image is scaled for printing or displaying on different devices. 72 DPI is the standard resolution used for displaying images on a computer screen.
- Choose Resampling Method (Optional but Recommended): Below the resolution, you'll find resampling options. These determine how Paint.net handles the pixel data when changing dimensions or resolution. For general resizing, Best Quality (Lanzcos3) is often a good choice.
- Apply Changes: Click OK to apply the new resolution to your image.
- Save Your Image: After changing the resolution, save the image by selecting File -> Save As....
Understanding Resolution in Paint.net
Resolution, typically measured in Pixels Per Inch (PPI) or Dots Per Inch (DPI), defines how many pixels are packed into one inch of the image.
- Higher Resolution (e.g., 300 DPI): More pixels per inch, resulting in a sharper, more detailed image, especially important for printing.
- Lower Resolution (e.g., 72 DPI): Fewer pixels per inch, suitable for display on computer screens and the web as it results in smaller file sizes. As mentioned in the reference, 72 DPI is the standard for screen display.
Changing the resolution without changing the pixel dimensions will affect the print size of the image. Changing the resolution and allowing Paint.net to resample can also impact the overall pixel dimensions if not handled carefully, though the primary control for pixel dimensions is usually the "Pixel size" inputs themselves.
Key Settings in the Resize Dialog
Here's a quick look at the relevant parts of the Resize dialog:
| Setting | Description | How it Affects Resolution Change |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | Pixels/Dots per inch (PPI/DPI). Standard is 72 for screens. | Directly where you input the new resolution value (e.g., 72.00). |
| Pixel size | Controls the overall width and height in pixels. | Resolution is often part of this section; changing resolution can affect pixel size if resampling is enabled and dimensions aren't locked. |
| Maintain aspect ratio | Locks width and height proportionally. | Useful to prevent distortion when changing pixel dimensions alongside resolution. |
| Resampling | Method used to recalculate pixels when changing dimensions or resolution. | Determines the quality of the result; Best Quality (Lanzcos3) is often recommended. |
Practical Tip
When changing resolution, especially for print vs. web, be mindful of the relationship between resolution, pixel dimensions, and desired output size. For example, an image might need specific pixel dimensions and resolution for a print job, while web images typically just need appropriate pixel dimensions and a standard 72 DPI resolution.
Changing the resolution to 72 DPI is a common step when preparing images for websites or digital viewing platforms to ensure compatibility and efficient file sizes, as highlighted in the provided reference.
