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Preparing Image Files for Printing

When your client places an automatic fulfillment order in your Store, the original files you upload to the gallery will be submitted directly to your chosen partner lab for printing. It is important to optimize your files so they are print-ready before you upload them. This article will cover how to adjust your editing setup and export settings to ensure your clients are happy with the prints they receive.

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Step 1: Adjust your editing setup

Because digital images are brighter than printed products, you should ensure the files you see on screen are as close to the final prints as possible when editing. Here are some quick tips to help you get set up for success:

  • Adjust your monitor to 70% brightness. This setting is a good estimate of what the files will look like when printed.
  • Work in a well lit space. Using lighting that is similar to how you expect your photos to be displayed will give you a reference point for how your photos will look in your clients’ homes.

 

Step 2: Adjust your export settings

When you’re done editing, you’ll need to export your files using our labs’ recommended settings. Your images should be:

  • High resolution JPEG files exceeding the minimum requirements for printing
  • 300 DPI
  • In the sRGB color space
  • A JPEG quality of 10 in Photoshop, 90% in Lightroom, or the equivalent in your editing tool

Tip: If you’d like to take an extra step to make sure your files will print as you expect them to, you can order some sample prints from your chosen partner lab. In many cases, they will be able to help you order some samples if you contact them directly. Alternatively, you can order some yourself by placing an order at cost price through your Store.

 

Step 3: Review your orders (Optional)

To review orders before they are sent to the lab, we recommend turning on Order Delay. When Order Delay is activated, all automatically fulfilled orders will be placed on hold for a set number of days before they’re submitted for printing. During this time, you can review the selections made by your clients (e.g. crop placements, image files, shipping address) to ensure that their order looks good before it’s submitted.

Note: When Order Delay is turned off, all orders will be added to the Lab’s production queue immediately after your client checks out.

 

Step 4: Calibrate your monitor (Optional)

For the most accurate reflection of how your files will look when printed, you should calibrate your monitor to your chosen Print Lab’s specifications. Here are some guides from our Partner Labs on their recommendations:

Note:  WHCC, ProDPI, Miller's and Loxley price sheets also provide a lab color correction option. Learn more

What’s next?

Once the Lab receives your order, they will fulfill your client’s prints using the exact files submitted, and send them directly to the shipping address entered at checkout. By following the steps above to prepare your files, you will ensure consistent, accurate results for every order placed through your Store.

 

Need help with a print order?

If so, we are here to help! Get in touch with Pixieset via the "Contact Us" link below as soon as you can. We will do our best to assist and get any issues resolved for you and your client.

So we can take action as soon as possible, please include the order number, details of the issue, and photos of both the prints and the packaging where applicable.

 

 

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