Image File Guidelines for Custom Prints

When you order a product with your own image, the quality of the image determines the end result. These short guidelines help you choose and send your image so that the product turns out as good as it possibly can. If anything stays unclear, send us the image in advance - we will check it free of charge.

1. Use the original version of the image

Always send the original file of the image - as large and uncompressed as possible. The more pixels the image has, the sharper and more beautiful the print. A good JPG, PNG or TIF file works perfectly.

Do not send an image shared over WhatsApp or on social media. WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram and many other apps automatically compress images to a much smaller size. At a glance the image looks fine on a phone, but for printing it is often far too low in quality, and the result comes out blurry or grainy.

The only exception is the very smallest products - such as magnets, keyrings and glitter balls - for which a smaller image is enough. For larger products, the original file is essential.

Where to get the original image to use:

  • By email for us to check: when you send the image by email, choose Original as the image size (not Small or Medium). This keeps the image at full size.
  • In the product image editor: the editor has no separate size option, so make sure already before uploading that the image file is large enough (see section 2).
  • Avoid: screenshots, images saved from social media, and images that have been forwarded many times - they will have become compressed along the way.

2. Check the image size before sending

A good image is usually several megabytes (MB) in size. If possible, also check the image's pixel count:

  • A size suitable for most products is around 3000 x 2000 pixels.
  • For small products (magnets, keyrings, glitter balls) a slightly smaller image is enough.
  • Large products - canvas prints, wallpapers and large posters - require considerably more pixels and a high-quality image. A blurry image looks even worse at a large size.

Here is how to check the image size on different devices (the names of the menus may vary slightly depending on the device model):

  • Android phone: open the image in the Gallery or Photos app, tap the three dots or the "i" icon (Details). You will see the image's pixel count (e.g. 4032 x 3024) and the file size.
  • iPhone / iPad: open the Photos app, select the image and swipe up or tap the "i" icon. The details show the pixel count and file size.
  • Windows computer: right-click the image, choose Properties and open the Details tab. Under Dimensions you will see the width and height in pixels.
  • Mac computer: click the image while holding the Ctrl key, choose Get Info and open More Info. The pixel count is shown under Dimensions.

You do not necessarily need these details yourself: the product image editor checks the pixel count for you. When the image is sharp enough for the chosen size, a green outline appears around it. If the outline turns red, the image resolution is too low and the print cannot be made - in that case choose a larger image or reduce the product size. You can change the size of the image by dragging it from the corners.

3. Crop lines - image all the way to the edges

Some products show crop lines in the editor. They indicate where the product is cut into its final shape.

  • Extend the image past the crop lines all the way to the outer edges. This way no white stripe is left at the edge of the product, and the image continues beautifully from edge to edge.
  • Keep important elements - such as faces, text and the main subject - safely inside the lines. The very edges are trimmed off a little, so do not place anything essential right at the edge.

4. Choose the image orientation according to the product

Printed products come in different shapes, and the best result is achieved when the orientation of the image matches the shape of the product. This way the image does not have to be cropped heavily and no empty space is left in it.

  • A portrait image for a portrait-shaped product - for example, a vertical photo suits a portrait-shaped magnet best.
  • Landscape images work best for a wider-shaped product, such as a mouse pad, a landscape-shaped magnet, bags, pencil cases, and images that wrap around mugs.

If the orientation of the image does not match the shape of the product, a large part of the image has to be cropped out or an empty border is left on the product. So it is worth choosing an image with the right orientation from the start.

Unsure? Ask us

If you are not sure about the quality, size or cropping of the image, send the image to us before ordering at asiakaspalvelu@artphotos.fi. We will check the material free of charge and will gladly help, so that your product turns out exactly as you wish.

More information for the experienced user

If you know how to edit images, please observe the print-industry recommendations:

  • Send images in the sRGB color space.
  • Resolution of at least 300 DPI at the final print size of the product.
  • Leave a 3 mm bleed at the edges, so that the image reaches all the way to the edge after cutting.
  • Keep text and logos at a safe margin of 5-10 mm from the edge and the crop line, so they are not at risk of being cut off.
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