Prepare a print file around its physical size and the lab's specifications. Pixel dimensions, crop and colour handling matter more than a file simply being labelled high quality.
Why pixel dimensions matter more than a vague quality label
Calculate the pixels needed from the intended print size and the lab's requested resolution. At 300 pixels per inch, a 20 × 30 cm image needs approximately 2,362 × 3,543 pixels. That is a working example, not a rule for every printer or viewing distance. Changing the resolution label alone does not add real detail to a small file.
How colour space affects handoff
Ask which colour space and file format the lab expects, then export with the appropriate embedded profile. Do not assign a different profile merely to change the label; convert correctly when needed. Keep an unaltered master. If the lab provides a printer-and-paper profile, follow its proofing instructions rather than assuming that every print service uses the same workflow.
When the lab should make the final resize
Confirm whether the lab wants a final-size file or will handle resizing and output sharpening. State the required crop, border and orientation, and inspect the export for clipped highlights or unwanted edges. Avoid repeated JPEG saves. For a significant order, approve a test print first; a small proof can reveal a crop or brightness problem before it affects the whole run.
Practical checklist
- Choose the final size before sharpening
- Use the largest original file available
- Decide whether borders are part of the design
- Check important crops and faces before ordering
Discuss your project
See the Photo Printing & Darkroom Prints service, explore our photography services in Berlin, or contact the studio with your brief.
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