How to Prepare an Image for Printing

Use this guide before uploading a photo or artwork for printing

You do not need to be a graphic designer. The goal is simply to give Olympic Prints the clearest, most complete file you have and avoid common problems such as screenshots, tiny images, wrong color mode, or important content too close to the edge.

Step 1 — Find the best original file

1. Use the original photo or exported artwork whenever possible.
2. Avoid screenshots of a photo, social-media previews, copied thumbnails, or images saved from a text message when you still have the original.
3. If a photographer/artist gave you a high-resolution download, use that file instead of the small web preview.

Step 2 — Check the final print size you want

Resolution depends on how large you print the image. A file that looks excellent at 8×10 may look softer at 36×48. Decide the intended size first, then compare the image pixel dimensions.

Step 3 — Check pixel dimensions

The Design Tips page includes a pixel-dimension table. Current examples include:

• 16×20: about 2400×3000 pixels minimum at 150 PPI; 4800×6000 ideal at 300 PPI.
• 24×36: about 3600×5400 minimum; 7200×10800 ideal.
• 36×48: about 5400×7200 minimum; 10800×14400 ideal.
• 44×66: about 6600×9900 minimum; 13200×19800 ideal.

These are quality targets, not a promise that every lower-resolution file will fail. Viewing distance, subject matter, sharpening, and source quality matter too.

Step 4 — Understand PPI simply

• 300 PPI: ideal target for fine detail at final size.
• 150 PPI: practical lower target shown in Olympic Prints guidance for many large prints.
• Below 150 PPI: the print may look visibly softer/pixelated depending on the image and viewing distance.

Changing a number in software from 72 PPI to 300 PPI without adding real image detail does not magically improve the file.

Step 5 — Choose a useful file format

• TIFF: preferred when you have a high-quality finished TIFF.
• JPEG: good when saved at high quality.
• PNG: useful for graphics, logos, and artwork.
• PDF: accepted by some specialized workflows such as Wallpaper/Fine Art, not every simple image uploader.

Use the file types stated on the exact uploader you are using. The standard Live Print Studio accepts common image formats; Wallpaper has its own supported set.

Step 6 — Keep image color in RGB

1. If your software asks for a color mode, use RGB for this workflow.
2. Embed an ICC profile when possible.
3. sRGB is the safest general choice.
4. Adobe RGB can preserve a wider gamut when your workflow is properly color-managed.
5. Avoid converting the image to CMYK just because it will be printed; Olympic Prints handles the printer/media conversion.

Step 7 — Check the crop/aspect ratio

1. Compare the shape of the image to the shape of the print size.
2. A 4×6-shaped photo does not fit a square or 8×10-shaped print without cropping or borders.
3. In the Live Print Studio, upload the image and inspect the actual preview.
4. Drag/zoom until faces, text, signatures, and important details are safely placed.

Step 8 — Protect important content from trimming

If the design prints to the edge, some artwork beyond the finished edge may be needed for bleed. Keep important text/logos/faces inside the safe area rather than exactly on the trim edge. Business Cards show an explicit green safe zone.

Step 9 — Check text and logos at 100%

1. Open the image on your device.
2. Zoom in to actual pixels/100% if your software allows it.
3. Check that text edges and logos are not blurry from a low-resolution screenshot.
4. Check that there are no compression blocks or accidental artifacts.

Step 10 — Flatten a finished image when appropriate

If you are exporting from Photoshop/another editor for a standard image-upload workflow, export a finished flattened print file so missing fonts/layers do not change unexpectedly. Keep your editable original separately.

Step 11 — Check orientation

Make sure portrait/landscape orientation matches the desired print. A sideways image may still upload, but the preview may not match your intended layout.

Step 12 — Do not enlarge a tiny file just to meet a pixel number

AI/upscaling can sometimes help, but it does not recreate all original detail. If the source is very small or blurry, contact Olympic Prints before placing a large print order.

Step 13 — Upload and inspect the actual preview

1. Open the appropriate creator.
2. Upload the prepared file.
3. Wait for the preview.
4. Inspect crop and important details.
5. Do not checkout if the preview is obviously wrong.

If you are unsure

Use Contact Olympic Prints and send the intended print size plus information about the file. It is better to check before printing than to assume a low-quality source will become sharp at a larger size.