Resolution describes the amount of quality in an image. The most common measurement for resolution is in DPI. DPI is an acronym for dots per inch, or rather, how many pixels there are in one inch of an image. For example:

Notice how the quality was significantly reduced when we converted the image from 72 dpi to 25 dpi?

So, why is resolution important? By selecting the proper resolution, you specify how much quality you want in your print. Naturally, if you have a very large print that will be viewed from a far distance, you will not need a high quality image file. Conversely, images viewed close up will need a higher dpi. Look at the fruit baskets above. If you look at the computer screen at a close distance, you can easily distinguish the pixels in the 25 dpi image. It appears "pixely" and "boxy." As you move farther away, the 25 dpi image does not appear as "pixely" or "boxy."

Remember:

• A print that will be large and viewed from a far distance will have a low resolution.
• A print that will be small and viewed from a short distance will have a high resolution.

Try clicking the "Suggest a Resolution" button. The computer will help you decide a fair resolution for your image file.