Rendering in SketchUp

What Is Resolution?
Resolution is the measurement of a graphic calculated in pixels. For example, 800 
n
600 
resolution means the render has 800 pixels across its width and 600 pixels in height (Fig. 22.1). 
Pixels translate into dots per inch (DPI). One pixel equals one dot. Dots per inch can be 
translated as pixels per inch. DPI is a standard measure for online and printed media (Fig. 22.2). 
Typical screen images are 72 DPI or 72 pixels per inch. Typical print media output is 150 DPI to 
300 DPI and higher (600, 1200, etc.) (Fig. 22.3, Fig. 22.4).
Fig. 22.1: 
Resolution 
refers to the height and 
width of the rendered 
image.
Image Resolution
ChapteR
22

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Chapter 22: Image Resolution
Fig. 22.2: 
An enlarged view of pixels from the rendering
Fig. 22.3: 
Typical imperial units paper sizes
Fig. 22.4: 
Typical metric paper sizes with impe-
rial sizes for comparison

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Part 5: The Iterative Rendering Process
Calculating pixels to DpI to paper Size
Because the resolution in IRPs is set as pixels, you’ll need to know how to convert pixels to DPI 
and to actual paper size. The formula is simple. It is determined by the final desired print size.
3
3
Resolution Width: Sheet width 
n
DPI = Width pixel resolution
3
3
Resolution Height: Sheet height 
n
DPI = Height pixel resolution
For example, the size of a typical letter, 8-½
g
n
11
g
(Fig. 22.5, Fig. 22.6), can be calculated as:
Width of 8-½
g
n
72 DPI = 612 pixels
Height of 11
g
n
72 DPI = 792 pixels
8-½
g
n
11
g
= 612 
n
792 (frequently rounded to 600 
n
800)