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Choosing the right photo is key to achieving optimum print quality. Here are some tips to guide you:
- Resolution: Choose photos with large dimensions ideally at least 2000px on the shortest side for clear and detailed prints.
- Aspect ratio: Make sure that the aspect ratio of your photo corresponds to the desired print format. If necessary, you can crop or adjust the image.
- Colour quality: Photos with vivid and well-balanced colours result in more appealing prints. Avoid underexposed or overexposed photos.
- Use the original image: Do not artificially enlarge your image and use the original if possible. Avoid screenshots or forwarded images which are often of lower quality.
- File format: .jpg or .png are recommended for most prints. Choose the format that best suits your photo and the desired print result.
Careful selection and preparation of your photos will help to achieve the best possible print quality.
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Ideally, the shortest side of your image should exceed 2000 pixels. This ensures that you can print most formats with good quality. For larger prints, please use images with dimensions of at least 3000 pixels. Pixels are used to measure the dimensions of a photo when you take or edit it while DPI (dots per inch) is used to measure the print resolution. A higher DPI number leads to better detail accuracy and sharpness in the print. Our configurator automatically checks the resolution of your photo and suggests appropriate print formats and sizes.
Guidelines for resolution selection
- Viewing distance: The closer the product is viewed, the higher the resolution should be.
- Surface texture: Clear and smooth surfaces require a higher resolution for maximum detail.
- Product size: Larger products require higher resolutions to maintain image quality across the entire format.
Recommended minimum resolution by product category
- Wall decoration: 2000px minimum: Ideal for small format products with textured surfaces such as canvases or wood prints. 3000px minimum: Necessary for a clear print image on products with smooth surfaces such as acrylic glass, aluminium dibond, and gallery prints.
- Textiles: 2000px minimum: Suitable for smaller textile items with a soft surface such as cushions or photo rugs. 3000px minimum: Recommended for larger textiles such as towels and blankets.
- Photo gifts: 2000px minimum: Sufficient for smaller items such as MIXBLOX and keychains. 3000px minimum: Preferred for larger gift items such as puzzles.
- Photo books and calendars: 3000px minimum: Standard for photo books and calendars to achieve clear and vivid images.
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You can use .jpg (or .jpeg), .png, .gif, and .webp to design your photo product.
Each format has a different effect on the print quality:
- .jpg (or .jpeg): Provides a good balance between quality and file size. Ideal for color photos and general printing needs.
- .png: Provides high quality, especially for images with sharp contrasts. The file size is often larger than .jpg.
- .gif: Good for simple animations and graphics with few colors but less suitable for high-quality photo prints.
- .webp: A modern format that offers both high quality and small file size, ideal for high quality prints.
The choice of format should be based on the type of image and the desired result. For most printing purposes, .jpg or .png are excellent options.
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To ensure quick processing and high print quality, please adhere to the following specifications for your image:
- File size: Your photo should not exceed 60 Megabytes (MB).
- Resolution: The total resolution should be no more than 100 Megapixels (MP).
- Dimensions: Neither the width nor the height of the image should exceed 20000 pixels.
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Our configurator displays formats and sizes based on your uploaded image. If the desired format is not displayed, this could be due to two factors:
- Low resolution: A low resolution can limit the available options. In this case, you can increase the resolution of your image to apply suitable options.
- Aspect ratio: The aspect ratio is also important. If it does not match the selected format, certain sizes or formats will not be displayed to avoid unwanted cropping or distortion. In such cases, you can adjust the aspect ratio to improve compatibility with more formats and sizes.
- Orientation: The orientation of your photo (landscape or portrait) is automatically suggested based on the image's size and dimensions. To ensure the best match, we recommend uploading your image in your preferred orientation.
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In our configurator, we have kept the editing options simple and straightforward to provide an uncomplicated experience. Within the configurator, for example, you can drag your photo to adjust the print area, zoom in and out, and add text to personalize your product further.
For more extensive edits beyond these basic functions, such as adjusting color balance, removing imperfections, or complex cropping, we recommend using photo editing software before uploading. This ensures your photo is fully prepared and optimized for printing, helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your personalized product.
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The choice of material can affect the appearance of your printed photo as each material has its own unique effect. Here are some examples of how different materials affect the print:
- Canvas: These materials offer a natural and warm texture that is particularly suited to photos with a cozy feel.
- Acrylic glass: If you want a modern and razor-sharp image, these materials are the right choice.
- Textiles such as cushions or towels: These produce a softer and less detailed print.
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To ensure your photos look fantastic when printed on our products, here are some key tips:
- Lighting: Good lighting is crucial. Natural light works best for capturing vibrant colors and clear details. Make sure that neither the foreground nor the background is overexposed.
- Stability: To avoid blurry images, ensure your camera or smartphone is stable when taking a photo. Using a tripod or placing your device on a stable surface can help achieve sharper images.
- Focus: Make sure your camera is focused on the right part of the scene. If your camera has a 'tap to focus' feature, use it to sharpen the area you want to highlight.
- Resolution: Use the highest resolution setting on your camera. Higher resolution photos produce clearer and more detailed prints, especially for larger products.
- Composition: Pay attention to the composition of your shot. Rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing can all add interest and enhance the overall look of your photo.
- Avoid zoom: Opt for moving closer to your subject rather than using digital zoom, which can degrade the quality of your photo.
- Editing: Basic editing can enhance your photo before uploading. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and saturation to ensure your photo looks its best. However, avoid over-editing as it may look unnatural.
- Check background: Keep the background simple if the focus is your subject to avoid distractions in your photo.
Following these tips will help you capture photos that not only look great on their own but also translate beautifully onto our range of personalized products. For more inspiration, in-depth advice, and current trends, please visit our Tips & Trends insights.