To prepare photos for printing, make sure the image has enough pixels for the print size, work in the color space your printer asks for, crop to the print ratio, add light output sharpening and save in a high quality format such as JPEG or TIFF. Check the lab’s own guidance, as it overrides general advice.
Resolution and DPI
DPI, or PPI for pixels per inch, describes how many pixels fill each inch of the print. More pixels per inch gives finer detail, up to the point your eyes can no longer see a difference. A common target for prints viewed close up is roughly 240 to 300. Larger prints viewed from a distance can look fine at lower values.
To check, divide the pixel width of your image by the print width in inches. A 6000 pixel wide image printed 20 inches wide gives 300 pixels per inch. The DPI number stored in the file metadata matters much less than the real pixel count.
Color Space
- sRGB is the most widely supported and the safest default for online labs and general use.
- Adobe RGB holds a wider range of colors and can help with some professional printers, but only if the lab supports it.
- Always embed the profile in the file, and convert instead of just assigning when changing spaces.
File Format
| Format | Best for |
|---|---|
| JPEG at high quality | Most online labs and small files |
| TIFF | Fine art printing and maximum quality |
| PNG | Graphics and text, less common for photos |
| Raw | Editing master only, not for upload |
Step-by-Step Checklist
- Edit your photo from the raw file or the best available master copy.
- Crop to the aspect ratio of the print, such as 3:2, 4:5 or 5:7. Different sizes cut off different edges.
- Check the pixel dimensions against the lab’s recommendation.
- Soft proof with the lab’s profile if provided, and adjust brightness and saturation accordingly.
- Apply output sharpening set for the paper type, with glossy needing less than matte.
- Export with the right profile and a high quality setting.
- Order one small proof if the print is important or large.
Paper choice also changes the result. Glossy paper gives deeper blacks and punchy color, while matte paper looks softer and reduces reflections. Fine art papers with texture lower the apparent sharpness a little, so a touch more output sharpening helps. If the lab offers sample packs, they show differences better than any description.
FAQ
Should I enlarge a small image before printing?
Modest upscaling can work with good software, but it cannot create real detail. Print at a smaller size if the image is limited.
Why do prints look darker than my screen?
Screens emit light and are often bright. Reduce brightness, calibrate the display, and compare with a soft proof.
The Short Version
Match pixels to the print size, use sRGB unless the lab says otherwise, crop to the right ratio, add light sharpening and export at high quality. A small proof catches problems early, before a big order.
