Docuex Tools
Scanning DPI Calculator
Not sure what resolution to scan your drawings at? Pick the size and what the scans are for, and we'll recommend a DPI plus estimated file sizes for colour and black & white output.
1. Paper size
2. What is the scan for?
A0
841 × 1189 mm
A1
594 × 841 mm
A2
420 × 594 mm
A3
297 × 420 mm
A4
210 × 297 mm
Archive
long-term storage
CAD conversion
tracing source
OCR / text
searchable PDF
Reprint
good-quality print
Email / screen
view only
Recommended DPI
400dpi
Pixel dimensions
9 360 × 13 240
File size (colour)
42MB
File size (B/W)
5MB
For tracing in CAD we suggest 400 DPI - sharp enough to follow every line, without files becoming unmanageable. Estimates assume JPEG-quality compression.
Quick guide. The right DPI depends entirely on what you'll do with the scan.
- 150 DPI
- fine for viewing on screen or emailing; not enough detail to trace.
- 200 DPI
- OK for ordinary reprints at the same size.
- 300 DPI
- archive standard; supports good OCR on cleanly printed text.
- 400 DPI
- recommended for tracing into CAD; captures fine line work.
- 600 DPI+
- only worth it for very fine detail or photographic originals - file sizes get large fast.
Want us to scan your drawings for you? We do A0, A1 and A2.
See Scanning Service