How to Increase the Resolution of an Existing Image With Paint.NET

The image resolution is otherwise its dots per inch (DPI). This is basically the number of pixels printed per an inch. Thus, the DPI resolution is only relevant for printed output and not website graphics. Increasing the resolution will enhance the quality of a printed image, and this is how you can do that with the freeware Paint.NET.

Also see our article How to Rotate Selection in Paint.NET

First, open Paint.NET and then select a photo to edit by clicking File and Open. Then click Image and select Resize from that menu. That opens the window in the snapshot directly below.

That window includes a Resolution box that tells you the picture’s resolution either as dots per inch or per centimeter. Select pixels/inch from that drop-down menu. That will also switch the Print size values below that to inches.

Now enter a higher value in the Resolution box to increase the DPI res. Note that expanding the resolution also decreases the Print size values just below that. Now the image will print more dots per every inch. Thus, enhancing the resolution also reduces the image’s dimensions when you print it.

Most inkjet printers will probably have a DPI of around 300 to 600. Check your printer specifications for DPI details. Then configure the resolution so that it matches the printer’s maximum DPI value for a best quality printout.

Adjusting the resolution will have no impact on the image open in Paint.NET. It’s dimensions will remain exactly the same. To adjust the picture’s dimensions in the Paint.NET window, you should alter the Pixel size values instead.

Click OK to close the window. Then press Ctrl + P to print the image. With the resolution maximized, the image will print to smaller scale and be sharper and crisper than lower res pictures.

So now you can increase image resolution in Paint.NET for best quality printing. If you can, print the image with high-res photo paper to further enhance the output.