Formatting Issues

Fix Microsoft Word Image Resolution Limited to 220 PPI

Elise Williams Oct 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users experience a loss of image quality because Microsoft Word limits and automatically compresses image resolution to a maximum of 220 PPI.

How to Fix Microsoft Word Image Resolution Limited to 220 PPI

Product: Microsoft Word 2013
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Inserting high-resolution images into a document without having the software automatically reduce their quality upon saving.
Observed behavior: Word automatically compresses the inserted images to 220 PPI. The lost image data cannot be recovered even if the document is later opened in a newer version of Word.

Before you start

Locate the original high-resolution image files on your computer, as you will need to manually reinsert them to restore any image quality that was already lost to compression.

Solution 1Recommended

Enable High Fidelity and Disable Image Compression

Use this solution to prevent Word from automatically compressing your images and to preserve their original resolution when saving the document.

While Word 2013 limits the default compression dropdown to 220 PPI, newer versions of Word introduce a 'High fidelity' option. Regardless of your version, you can configure the advanced settings to completely disable in-file image compression.

Open Advanced Options

Launch Microsoft Word, click on the 'File' tab in the top left corner, and select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu. In the Word Options dialog box, click on 'Advanced' in the left pane.

Locate Image Size and Quality

Scroll down the Advanced settings page until you find the 'Image Size and Quality' section. Select your current document from the dropdown list next to the section header.

Change Compression Settings

Check the box that says 'Do not compress images in file'. If you are using a newer version of Word, you can also open the 'Default resolution' dropdown menu and select 'High fidelity'.

Reinsert Original Images

Click 'OK' to save the changes. Finally, delete the blurry or compressed images from your document and reinsert the original high-resolution files.

Enable High Fidelity and Disable Image Compression

Data Recovery Limitation: Changing these settings or upgrading to a newer Word version does not automatically restore the quality of images that were already compressed. You must reinsert the original files.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Upgrade to WPS Office for High-Fidelity Documents

Stop worrying about older Microsoft Office versions compressing your images and ruining your document's professional look. WPS Office is a free, modern suite that fully supports high-resolution graphics, features a familiar user interface, and is completely compatible with Microsoft Word documents.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite.
2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx files directly without formatting loss.
3. Work with High-Res Media: Insert your high-fidelity images seamlessly and save your work without automated downscaling.

Preserve high-resolution images without forced 220 PPI compressionSeamless format compatibility with Microsoft Word (.docx) filesLightweight and fast to install on any deviceCompletely free alternative to expensive Microsoft 365 subscriptions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover the quality of an image that Word 2013 already compressed?

No. Once Microsoft Word compresses an image and the document is saved, the lost image data is permanently discarded. You must manually delete the compressed picture and reinsert the original high-resolution file.

What does the High fidelity option do in newer Word versions?

The 'High fidelity' setting ensures that Word does not apply any automatic downscaling or compression to your inserted pictures. It preserves the original dimensions, resolution, and clarity of the image when the document is saved.

Why does Word compress images to 220 PPI by default?

Microsoft Word automatically compresses images to reduce the overall file size of the document. This default behavior makes documents easier to email, share, and store, but it compromises the visual quality of high-resolution graphics.

Document & File Issues