Know the size and file type we need
We check pixel dimensions (for example, 4032 × 3024). Don't worry about the "DPI" number; it can be ignored.
We don't know exactly where your image will run until the layout process, so aim for the size that works everywhere:
Smaller images can still be used, but only at the sizes they're big enough for. Here is where each size runs on the page:
Rule of thumb: most photos straight from a modern phone or camera are big enough. Problems usually start when the image gets shrunk on its way to us (see Step 3).
Check your image
The quickest way is the checker at the top of this page. If it can't open your file (some iPhone photos in HEIC format won't open in every browser), check on your device instead. Tap your device:
iPhone
- Open the photo in the Photos app.
- Swipe up, or tap the ⓘ button.
- You'll see something like 12 MP · 4032 × 3024. Those two numbers are your size.
What's a HEIC photo? HEIC is the space-saving file type iPhones use by default. It's great for storing photos, but many programs and websites (including this checker) can't open it. JPG opens everywhere, so it's the safer choice for sending to us.
To get JPGs from now on: go to Settings → Camera → Formats and choose Most Compatible.
For photos you've already taken: on a Mac, open the photo in Preview and choose File → Export → JPEG. On an iPhone, tap Share and look for Options at the top, then pick the most compatible format (menu names change between iOS versions, so if you don't see it, use the Mac method or ask someone to convert it for you). Your photo's size stays the same.
Android
- Open the photo in Google Photos.
- Swipe up, or tap ⋮ → Details.
- Look for the pixel size, such as 4000 × 3000.
Windows
- Right-click the image file → Properties.
- Click the Details tab.
- Look for Dimensions.
Mac
- Click the image file once in Finder.
- Press Cmd + I (Get Info) and open the More Info section, or open it in Preview and choose Tools → Show Inspector.
- Look for Dimensions.
Don't shrink it by accident
Some common habits quietly shrink your images, even if the original was perfect. Always send the original file.
Avoid these
- Texting or WhatsApp-ing the photo. Both compress images heavily.
- Choosing "Small" or "Medium" when your email app asks about image size. Always pick Actual Size.
- Saving from Facebook, Instagram, or a website. These copies are almost always too small.
- Screenshots. A screenshot is always too small for print.
Add extra details only if needed
Most images don't need anything extra. When you send your images, include these only if they apply. The list comes from the "Send:" lines in the box at the top.
Still too small?
Please don't enlarge the image yourself. Stretching a small image doesn't add detail. Instead:
- Look for the original on your camera, phone, or computer (not a copy you've sent or posted).
- If you got the image from someone else, ask them for the original file.
- If nothing bigger exists, please choose a different image. Images this small can't be printed well.
