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DPI, or "dots per inch," is a computer term that describes the resolution of an image or the sensitivity of a mouse. For printing, a higher DPI means more ink dots per inch, resulting in a sharper, more detailed image. For a mouse, a higher DPI means the cursor moves more quickly across the screen in response to physical movement.

In relation to images and printing

What it means: DPI measures the number of ink dots a printer can produce in a one-inch line.

Impact on print quality: A higher DPI value (e.g., 300 DPI) creates a smoother, more detailed image with better quality than a lower DPI (e.g., 72 DPI).

Digital vs. print: DPI is primarily a measure for printing. For digital images, a similar concept is Pixels Per Inch (PPI), which refers to the number of pixels per inch on a screen.

In relation to mice

What it means: DPI measures the sensitivity of a computer mouse's sensor. Impact on cursor movement: A mouse with a higher DPI can move the on-screen cursor a greater distance for the same physical movement of the mouse.

Balancing sensitivity: While higher DPI offers speed, it can also make precise movements more difficult. Users may need to find a balance for optimal control.

In relation to high-DPI displays

What it means: This refers to displays with a high pixel density, meaning there are more pixels packed into a small area.

Impact on performance: High-DPI displays require more processing power from the computer's graphics card and more memory.

OS and application support: Operating systems and applications need to be "DPI-aware" to scale correctly and display correctly on high-DPI screens.