Creating stunning 12×12 photo prints starts long before you click the print button. To ensure your cherished memories are displayed in the best possible quality, understanding the technical aspects of photo preparation is key. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to achieve professional-looking 12×12 photo prints every time.
First, let’s discuss format. For optimal results, your files should be in JPEG format. This is a standard format and is usually the default for phone cameras. We strongly advise using the sRGB color profile, as CMYK is not supported for our printing process.
Next, consider file size. High-resolution photos are crucial for quality 12×12 prints. Aim for images that are at least 2MB in size and have a 300dpi resolution. Be cautious of photos received via platforms like WhatsApp, as these are often compressed to around 200Kb, which significantly reduces print quality, especially for larger sizes like 12×12 photo prints.
The finish of your print is another important decision. If you plan to frame your 12×12 photo print behind glass, a matt finish is recommended to minimize glare. However, for photos where you want vibrant and striking colors to pop, a glossy finish is generally the better choice for your 12×12 print.
It’s important to remember that we can’t improve a poor quality photo during the printing process. We encourage you to carefully review our advice and utilize the photo print preview feature before confirming your order for 12×12 prints.
Cropping is often necessary. Photos come in various aspect ratios, which may differ from the square format of a 12×12 print. Our free cropping tool allows you to precisely select the area you want printed. This ensures that key elements of your photo, like faces, are not unintentionally cut off in your 12×12 photo print.
Be mindful of trimming & bleed. After printing, photos are trimmed, resulting in a slight loss of approximately 3mm on each edge. This “bleed” area is a standard part of the printing process. To avoid losing important parts of your image, keep crucial elements at least 5mm away from the edges of your photo. Alternatively, consider adding a white border to your 12×12 print to ensure the entire photo is preserved.
Brightness on screens can be deceiving. Your phone, tablet, or computer screen may display photos brighter than they actually are. We print photos as they are and do not artificially brighten them. Always check the true brightness of your image before printing to avoid disappointingly dark 12×12 photo prints.
Finally, always preview your print. We provide a preview for every 12×12 photo print before processing. This is your opportunity to double-check everything, as we cannot offer returns or refunds for issues like dark or poorly cropped photos if they were visible in the preview.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently create beautiful 12×12 photo prints that you’ll treasure for years to come.
