The resolution of a flatbed scanner, usually given in DPI (dots per inch) units, is a critical parameter for the quality of the scanned image. Higher resolution means greater detail and sharpness of the image, which is especially important for scanning photographs or fine detail. On the other hand, higher resolution can lead to longer scan times and larger files. A resolution of 1200 DPI is often sufficient for most applications, while professional jobs may require up to 2400 DPI or more.