5.4. Dot for Dot

The Dot for Dot command enables and disables Dot for Dot mode. If it is enabled (checked) and the zoom factor is 100%, every pixel in the image is displayed as one pixel on the screen. If it is disabled, the image is displayed at its real size, the size it will have when it is printed.

For Dot for Dot mode to work properly, the resolution of the image must be the same as the screen resolution in the Preferences menu.

Enabling this mode is recommended if you are working on icons and web graphics. If you are working on images intended to be printed, you should disable Dot-for-Dot mode.

You can set the default for Dot-for-Dot mode in the Image Window Appearance Preferences.

5.4.1. Activating the Command

  • You can access this command from the main menu through ViewDot for Dot.

5.4.2. Example

Imagine the following image properties:

  • Image size: 100×100 pixels

  • Image resolution: 300 ppi (pixels per inch)

  • Image displayed with Zoom=100%, Dot for Dot enabled:

    100×100 pixels

  • Image displayed with Zoom=100%, Dot for Dot disabled:

    100 pixels ÷ 300 ppi = 1/3 inch ≅ 0.85 cm