Pixel

Pixel, which stands for Picture Element (where picture becomes “pix”), is the term that refers to the tiny dots that compose a picture on a screen, printed picture or in a computer’s memory. Each pixel is assigned a specific color, depending on the image and the color system being applied. If the RGB color system is being used, then pixels within the image will be either red, green or blue. However, if the CMYB color spectrum is in play, then pixels with be either cyan (greenish blue), magenta, yellow or black.

In simple terms, a pixels is the smallest unit that composes a picture (i.e. like an atom to a molecule). Pixels can be printed or digitized, in that they describe units on printed photographs, as well as parts of computer and other digital images.

Pixels are measured in DPI (dots per inch). The more pixels within a given square inch area of an image, the higher the DPI number. Higher DPI numbers mean that pictures or images will have higher resolutions, making them less grainy, more detailed and more refined.