DPI stands for Dots Per Inch, and in Procreate it measures how many pixels are packed into each inch of your canvas for print output. The core distinction to remember is that DPI matters for printing, while pixel dimensions determine how your artwork looks on screens.
What is DPI in Procreate?
DPI, or Dots Per Inch, is a measurement of print resolution that tells you how many pixels are contained within each inch of your canvas. In the Procreate digital art app, a higher DPI means more pixels per inch, which allows for greater detail in your image and higher-quality printing. Procreate offers a wide range of DPI options to choose from, ranging from 72 DPI up to 600 DPI. For purely digital display, such as on screens, web, or social media, DPI is less critical; you should focus instead on the pixel dimensions of your artwork.
When DPI actually matters (and when it doesn't)
DPI is primarily important for artwork intended for physical printing. The standard DPI recommended for professional-quality printing is 300 DPI. For digital screen display, the standard DPI ranges from 72 to 144 DPI. If your work will only ever be viewed on a screen, pixel dimensions are the real resolution that matters, not the DPI number.
How DPI, physical size, and Pixel dimensions relate
When you create a new canvas using physical measurements (such as inches), the DPI you choose directly determines the canvas's pixel dimensions. These three values are linked: set your physical width and height together with your target DPI, and Procreate calculates the pixel count automatically. The actual pixel dimensions of your canvas are the primary factor determining the resolution and detail of your artwork, not just the DPI number alone.
How to change DPI in Procreate
- Tap the Actions (wrench) icon.
- Tap Canvas.
- Tap Crop and Resize.
- Tap Settings, then adjust the DPI value.
A critical fact to remember: changing DPI on an existing canvas alters its physical size but never changes its pixel dimensions. Procreate versions prior to 4.2 did not allow changing DPI after a canvas was created; this functionality is now available.
What happens when you change DPI on an existing canvas
Increasing the DPI makes the physical dimensions smaller; decreasing the DPI makes them larger. Your pixel count stays identical because Procreate does not resample the image when you adjust DPI. This is why you should set your DPI and physical dimensions before starting your artwork if you intend to print it, changing DPI mid-project for print will alter the physical size of your canvas, which may not match your intended output.
DPI and layer limits in Procreate
A higher DPI or larger pixel dimensions can reduce the number of available layers in your Procreate project. Layer limits are tied to your iPad's memory, so a canvas with very high resolution will allow fewer layers than a smaller canvas. Plan your canvas size and DPI with your layer needs in mind before you begin.
Common DPI mistakes to avoid
Setting an extremely high DPI (such as 1000 DPI) is generally unnecessary and does not significantly improve image quality for most purposes, especially for digital viewing. Thinking that DPI alone improves digital image quality is a common misconception, pixel dimensions are what matter for on-screen detail. Changing DPI mid-project for print without understanding the physical-size trade-off can leave you with a canvas that prints at the wrong dimensions, forcing you to start over or compromise on quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change DPI after I have already started drawing?
Yes, Procreate now allows you to change DPI on an existing canvas. However, doing so will change the physical size of your canvas while keeping pixel dimensions the same, so it is best to set DPI before starting if you know you will print.
What DPI should I use for social media?
For social media and digital display, 72 DPI is standard. Since screens display pixels directly, the DPI value has no effect on how your image looks online, only the pixel dimensions matter.
Does a higher DPI always mean better quality?
Higher DPI means more pixels per inch, which improves print quality, but only up to the point your printer can reproduce. For digital viewing, higher DPI does not improve quality because screens ignore DPI and display pixel dimensions directly.
Will changing DPI make my image pixelated?
Changing DPI alone does not add or remove pixels, so it will not cause pixelation. Pixelation occurs when you enlarge an image beyond its pixel dimensions, not from adjusting the DPI value.
Does changing the DPI in Procreate affect the image quality?
No, changing DPI in Procreate does not resample the image, so pixel dimensions remain unchanged and image quality is preserved. However, significantly altering DPI can affect perceived sharpness if you later resize the image for print, as the fixed pixel count is spread across a different physical area.
Why are my layers limited when I set a high DPI?
Procreate is a raster-based application, meaning every layer stores pixel data. Higher DPI combined with large physical dimensions creates a very high pixel count, which consumes more of your iPad's memory and reduces the number of layers available.
