Guides / Scan resolution for documents: 150, 200 or 300 dpi?

Scan resolution for documents: 150, 200 or 300 dpi?

Resolution is the biggest lever on scan file size. Here is how to choose without making the text unreadable.

What dpi means for size

Dots per inch is how many pixels the scanner records per inch of paper. Doubling the dpi quadruples the pixel count, and file size grows with it, although JPEG compression softens the increase.

Rules of thumb

• 300 dpi: a common default for archival scans and for text recognition (OCR). Large files.
• 200 dpi: a good balance for most printed text and forms.
• 150 dpi: readable for normal body text, but fine print, small stamps and faint handwriting may suffer.
• Below 150 dpi: only for pages where detail does not matter.

These are guidelines, not guarantees. Always look at the result at full zoom.

What to protect

Dates, reference numbers, seals and signatures often sit in small print. If a file contains these, keep its quality higher and save bytes on simpler pages instead.

Let the tool balance it

FileMending lowers resolution and quality gradually, one file at a time, choosing the file where it costs the least. It shows the level used for each file so you can see exactly what changed.

Frequently asked questions

What dpi should I use for an application upload?

If the portal does not say, 200 dpi is a reasonable starting point for printed text. Use more for small print and less for simple pages when you need to save space.

Does lower dpi remove information?

Yes. Lower resolution discards detail, which is why FileMending shows a preview and flags pages worth checking.

Updated 2026-10-12. General information, not legal advice. Always check the requirements of the portal or office you are uploading to.