TL;DR: Preparing your photos properly before printing ensures sharper details, vibrant colors, and professional-quality results. Follow these essential tips to make your next photo print look its best.
Ordering professional photo prints doesn’t have to be intimidating. A few key adjustments to your file can make the difference between a good print and a gallery-worthy one. Whether you’re printing personal photos or professional work, these five pro tips will help you prepare your images for flawless results every time.
1. Choose the Right File Format
Always save your photos in high-quality, widely accepted formats like JPEG, TIFF, or PNG. These maintain detail and color integrity during printing. Avoid formats designed for digital use, such as WebP, since they compress image data and reduce print quality. If you’re unsure which format is best, check with your printer at The Stackhouse, we recommend JPEG for general printing and TIFF for professional giclée work.
Learn more about format choices in our guide to understanding file formats.
2. Check Your Image Resolution
Resolution is one of the most important factors in print quality. For crisp, detailed prints, make sure your image is at least 300 PPI (pixels per inch) at your chosen print size. This ensures every line and texture looks sharp on paper or canvas. If you’re enlarging photos, always preview the dimensions to ensure no loss of detail or visible pixelation.
Need help calculating the right size? Visit our print sizing and borders guide for easy sizing formulas and tips.
3. Resize and Crop Thoughtfully
When resizing or cropping your image, maintain your resolution and protect the composition. For square prints, use a 1:1 ratio, and for standard rectangular formats, match the desired size ratio (such as 4:5 for 8x10). Always keep key elements away from the edges to prevent accidental trimming during production.
To crop your image correctly:
- Open your image in editing software like Photoshop or Lightroom.
- Select the crop tool and set your aspect ratio to match your intended print size.
- Adjust composition and confirm your final resolution.
- Save the image as a high-quality JPEG or TIFF.
4. Verify the Color Profile
Color management ensures your prints look exactly how you expect. Always embed the correct RGB color profile before exporting. Most fine art printers, including The Stackhouse, work in Adobe RGB (1998) or sRGB. Avoid CMYK unless your printer specifically requests it, as that color space is meant for offset printing, not giclée or photo printing.
For a deeper look into color workflow, check out our article on Mastering ICC Profiles.
5. Make Final Edits and Adjustments
Before uploading, give your image a final pass. Adjust brightness, contrast, and white balance on a calibrated monitor to ensure accurate results. Remove dust spots, correct small blemishes, and make sure your photo looks balanced and natural. What you see on-screen should closely match what you’ll receive on paper or canvas.
Bringing It All Together
When your photo is properly formatted, sized, and color-corrected, you’re set for professional-quality results. These preparation steps ensure your photos retain their sharpness, color, and depth in print form. And when you’re ready to print, The Stackhouse makes it simple, just upload your image, select your preferred paper or canvas, and preview before checkout.
Ready to print your photos with gallery-level precision? Try Giclée Photo Prints or request a free media sample set to see the difference quality materials make.
