Pixels to Inches logo Pixels to Inches px → in

Pixels to Inches in Illustrator

Whether you change pixels to inches in Illustrator or change inches to pixels in Illustrator, it is purely a display choice: the artwork is vector, so nothing is resampled and no quality is lost.

Change the document units

Two routes, depending on whether you want it permanent:

  • File → Document Setup → Units, and choose Inches. This sets the unit for the current document.
  • Right-click on a ruler (Ctrl/Cmd + R shows them) and pick Inches for a quick switch.
  • Edit → Preferences → Units sets the default for new documents.
Measured in pixels 1,920 × 960 px the same artboard A pixel figure Illustrator will happily show you. Measured in inches 20 × 10 in the same artboard Identical on purpose — nothing moved.
One artboard, read two ways. The shapes are maths rather than pixels, so switching the unit changes the numbers on the ruler and nothing else — there is no resample step to get wrong, and resolution is only decided at export.

Resize an artboard in inches

Press Shift + O for the Artboard tool, then type the size in the width and height fields at the top of the screen. With the document unit set to inches you can enter 8.5 and 11 directly.

You can also type a unit suffix into any field regardless of the document setting — entering "8.5in" works even in a pixel document.

Raster effects and print output

Vector artwork has no resolution, but drop shadows, glows and other raster effects do. Set Effect → Document Raster Effects Settings to 300 ppi before sending anything to print, or those effects will output at screen resolution.

Frequently asked questions

How do I change pixels to inches in Illustrator?

File → Document Setup → Units → Inches, or right-click a ruler and choose Inches.

Does changing units in Illustrator affect quality?

No. Illustrator artwork is vector, so units are only a display preference. Raster effects are the exception and have their own resolution setting.

How do I set up an Illustrator document for print?

Choose inches as the unit, set the artboard to the trim size, add 3 mm or 1/8 inch of bleed, and set raster effects to 300 ppi.