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What is a pixel?

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Quick answer

A pixel is the smallest dot of a digital image or screen. Short for 'picture element,' each pixel shows one color, and millions of them together form the photos and displays you see — the more pixels, the sharper the image.

Key things to understand

  1. It's the tiniest unit of a digital image or display.
  2. Each pixel displays a single color, usually mixed from red, green, and blue.
  3. Millions of pixels together form a complete image.
  4. More pixels (higher resolution) means finer detail.
  5. Zoom in far enough and you see the individual colored squares.

People also ask

What does pixel mean?
It's short for 'picture element' — the smallest single point of color that makes up a digital image or screen.
How do pixels make colors?
Each pixel blends red, green, and blue light at different brightnesses, which combine into the full range of colors your eye sees.
What is resolution?
The number of pixels in an image or screen; more pixels packed in means sharper, more detailed images.