How Do I Know if a PNG is High Resolution?

By Jaime Published March 29, 2023

With the internet becoming ever more visually focused, investing in quality photos for web pages and social media channels is a must-have to get ahead of the competition. PNG is a popular image format for web use, so how can you ensure they meet this standard?

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then it's essential to ensure that each image you use on your project is of the highest quality. Knowing how to check image details like photo resolution in PNGs, ensures that every photo used expresses precisely what needs to be said without any visual flaws or distortions. Luckily, determining high-resolution images doesn't take much time or effort and requires no specialist software - perfect for anyone needing an efficient solution. Read on to see why checking resolution matters and how you can do it quickly.

Understanding Image Resolution

Understanding the concept of resolution is crucial when evaluating the quality of a PNG image. Resolution refers to the amount of detail present in an image and can be measured using either pixel per inch (PPI) or dots per inch (DPI). A higher image resolution can greatly enhance the quality of an image, revealing stunning levels of detail and making it appear clearer and more vivid.

Resolution is crucial when judging an image's quality, but remember that it isn't the only factor. Other criteria such as the accuracy of color shades and clarity also contribute significantly to its ultimate appeal. Paying attention to your resolution needs will ensure you're using images worthy of their intended purpose - ones pleasing even to the most discerning audiences!

Checking PNG Image Resolution in Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is the perfect tool to quickly figure out how sharp an image truly is. You can know exactly what resolution your PNG image has in just 3 simple steps:

1. Open the PNG image in Photoshop.
2. Go to the "Image" menu and select "Image Size."
3. In the "Image Size" dialog box, you'll see the "Document Size" section, which includes the image's dimension in pixels, as well as the resolution in PPI or DPI.

For the best possible printed results, be sure to use a photo resolution of at least 300 PPI or DPI. Anything lower may produce an undesirable outcome – your picture could be less defined and blurry when it arrives in physical form.

Checking PNG Image Resolution in Other Programs

Need to find out the PNG photo's resolution but don't have access to Photoshop? No problem! There are plenty of alternatives that you can use to check if it is a high-resolution photo. Here are some options:

Option 1: Preview on Mac

1. Open the PNG image in Preview on your Mac.
2. Go to the "Tools" menu and select "Show Inspector."
3. In the Inspector window, select the "Exif" tab.
4. Navigate to the "Image" section and discover the dimensions of your image, along with the photo's resolution in either PPI or DPI.

To quickly find out an image file's resolution information, a right-click provides you with the "Get Info" option that reveals all details in its 'More info' area.

Option 2: Paint on Windows

1. Open the PNG image in Paint on your Windows computer.
2. Go to the "Home" tab and select "Resize."
3. Once the Resize dialog box is open, ensure that you choose "Maintain aspect ratio."
4. Under "Resize," you can easily check its dimensions in pixels and resolution whether it be PPI or DPI.

FAQs

What's the difference between PPI and DPI?

Digital and printed images can differ in resolution. These are measured by PPI (pixels per inch) for digital pictures and DPI (dots per inch) for print. By increasing a picture's PPI or DPI values you may be able to achieve high-resolution images with greater clarity and detail with your visuals!

Can I increase the photo resolution of a low-resolution PNG image?

Regrettably, the truth about image resolution is that trying to enhance a blurry or low-resolution image will inevitably result in a loss of its original sharpness and clarity. This means that once an image has been captured or saved in a low-quality format, it cannot be magically transformed into a high-quality image without sacrificing its initial quality. The only kind of images that can be upscaled without sacrificing quality are vector images.

Do check out our guide on How to Increase the Resolution of a PNG.

Why is high resolution important for images?

With high resolution, you can expect vivid and impeccably defined images that capture every intricate detail.

Can I use a low-resolution PNG image on my website or social media?

Low-res images can take away from the professional appearance and impact of your content creation. The image's details may not look as crisp or clear when viewed on a computer screen.

Is there a standard resolution for web images?

If you're uncertain which resolution to use in an online setting, 72 PPI is usually a safe bet. This pixel density gives you the ideal balance between visual clarity and speed of transmission - so your images can look great without compromising on wait time. Just bear in mind that for certain projects such as printing or high-visibility media, higher resolutions may be required.

Conclusion

High-definition visuals are essential for a successful project. With Adobe Photoshop, optimizing your PNG images couldn't be easier - eliminating lengthy resolution issues and ensuring perfect results in no time. An effective method to assess if a PNG image has a high resolution is by checking the image’s dimensions. Unlocking the power of PNG images can help you achieve superior results, giving your visuals a professional boost.