I recently stumbled across an excellent video that details where to print your photos (and Bitty Birdie printables!) on the cheap and still have decent results, and I have to say I was impressed by the information provided. Most of the time when I browse the net, I find mainly useless and misleading information and hidden advertising.
Now, I am
not a professional photographer. It's not the area of my craft that I focus on. In my other Etsy shops where tangible products are listed, I do the product photography myself but it is far from perfect. Professionals might not agree with the information in this video, but for the convenience and budget conscience shopper, like myself, these tips were very helpful.
Personally, I use Walmart, and I was happy to find it higher on the list than some others. Walmart is practically a stone's throw from my back yard so it's mostly a convenience thing. I will admit I haven't used any of the others mentioned except for Shutterfly. When we had professional family photos taken, I used them. Unfortunately, the photos had a noticeable orange hue about them when compared to the digital originals. So I was disappointed with their service.
I enjoyed that the reporter in this video emphasized that the location of where your prints are printed, matters. Even the same department store or drugstore chain will have variations to the quality of their end product, depending on which one you go to. I suggest that if you plan to print your photos and printables locally, be sure to ask around. Your local friends, neighbors, or church congregation might know where the places are. Check online reviews if there are any.
Aside from the points listed in the video, I want to make sure everyone knows that resolution matters. Here is a break down of the general minimum requirements for optimum printing results. Note, if your resolution is getting close to, or falls under these standards, I highly recommend that you not waste your money. It probably won't "look alright anyway," despite hoping. I speak from experience!
Minimum Printing Resolution
| Print size | Minimum image resolution required |
| 4x6 prints | 540x360 pixels |
| 5x7 prints | 630x450 pixels |
| 8x10 prints | 900x720 pixels |
| 11x14 posters | 1260x990 pixels |
| 12x18 posters | 1620x1080 pixels |
| 16x20 posters | 1800x1440 pixels |
| 20x30 posters | 2700x1800 pixels |
| Wallet prints | 270x180 pixels |
| fine art poster print 8x12 | 720x1080 pixels |
| fine art poster print 12x18 | 1080x1620 pixels |
| fine art poster print 15x20 | 1350x1800 pixels |
| fine art canvas print 16x16 | 1440x1440 pixels |
| fine art canvas print 24x24 | 2160x2160 pixels |
| fine art canvas print 30x30 | 2700x2700 pixels |
| fine art canvas print 36x36 | 3240x3240 pixels |
| fine art canvas print 16x20 | 1440x1800 pixels |
| fine art canvas print 20x30 | 1800x2700 pixels |
| fine art canvas print 24x36 | 2160x3240 pixels |
| fine art canvas print 10x25 | 900x2250 pixels |
| fine art canvas print 16x40 | 1440x3600 pixels |
Other common items that can be printed on:
| calendar | 1508x1130 pixels |
| deluxe t-shirt | 1280x1006 pixels |
| sweatshirt | 1280x1006 pixels |
| t-shirts | 1280x1006 pixels |
| jumbo clock | 1350x1350 pixels |
| keepsake box | 522x522 pixels |
| large woven throw | 1440x1080 pixels |
| medium woven throw | 1080x900 pixels |
| mousepad (collage) | 3000x2000 pixels |
| mug(white 4x8.5) | 720x480 pixels |
| mug(white,ceramic cafe) | 640x410 pixels |
| 11 oz snapshot mug | 300x210 pixels |
| 15 oz snapshot mug | 300x210 pixels |
| 11 oz magic mug | 300x210 pixels |
| 17 oz latte mug | 300x210 pixels |
| pet bowl | 320x213 pixels |
| photo canvas, 8x10 | 1000x1200 pixels |
| photo canvas, 12x12 | 1400x1400 pixels |
| photo canvas, 16x20 | 1825x2225 pixels |
| photo canvas, 20x24 | 2200x2700 pixels |
| photo clipboard | 1275x913 pixels |
| photo magnet, 2x3 | 270x180 pixels |
| photo magnet, 4x6 | 540x360 pixels |
| photo panel, 5x7 | 1450x1050 pixels |
| photo panel, 8x10 | 2050x1650 pixels |
| photo stamps | 375x357 pixels |
| pillow case | 1650x1100 pixels |
| placemats | 1280x815 pixels |
| playing cards | 320x235 pixels |
| Address labels | 216x72 pixels |
The good news here is, Bitty Birdie Designs printables all meet and exceed these standards so you should never have to worry about any of our prints being blurry or too small, unless of course your printing location has an issue. I wish I could help you on that, but I just make the designs. :)
I hope this information was helpful! Visit again for updates on new prints in the shop and of course free ones!
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