Custom Digital Album Recommendation and
Requirements
We want you to have the best possible custom digital photo
cover, so you will want to upload the best quality digital file you have. Most photos will look just fine when you look
at them on your computer screen, but what you see on a screen is not what
youll see in print. Photos that dont have sufficient resolution will look
blurry and pixilated (jagged edges) when printed. Below we have some general
guidelines, it may sound complicated but it really isnt. When in doubt send
what you have and we will let you know if is acceptable or what needs to be
done.
How do
I submit a photo?
A.
You can submit via EMAIL if it is UNDER 10MB in size
B.
POSTAL - send your
original photo(s) and we will process a high resolution scan.
C. UPLAOD Files over 10MB (we will send you a link)
In
what file format does the image need to be?
A.
We can accept the
following High Resolution formats:
ai,
psd, cdr. eps, tiff, pdf , jpg
B.
Word Documents and
Power Pont Presentations are NOT
accepted
What
are the minimal file requirements?
A.
Any file less than 2 MB may lose
quality as it is enlarged to a 12x12 size. We do not recommend any file under
2MB. 2MB can be achieved with a 5 megapixel
camera. 1MB=1024KB.
How
can I determine my file size?
A.
You can right click on your picture
file and the file size will be shown in the properties, or move your mouse over
the image and the file size will display.
B.
Always send Non Compressed native digital files.
What
does resolution mean?
A.
Resolution
describes the clarity or level of detail of a digital image
B.
The higher the
resolution, the greater the detail in the image (and the larger the file). For
computers, digital cameras and scanners, resolution is measured in pixels per inch (ppi); for
printers, resolution is measured in dots per inch (dpi).
What
does dpi and ppi mean?
A.
dpi refers only to how many dots per inch a
printer is capable of printing
B.
ppi refers to how many pixels
per inch the digital image actually contains
Digital images are similar to mosaics each digital photo
is made up of small dots (pixels) of a different color these dots are what
create the final image.
If you attempt to increase the physical size of an image
above the limit of its pixel resolution (ppi) the
result will be a pixilated or poor quality image - you begin to see the
individual pixels that make up the image.
The correlation between dots (pixels) and inches is seen in
the table below. As the human eye cannot discern quality levels over 300dpi in
printed material, 300dpi is the industry standard for high quality
prints.
Use
this guide to see what your digital file size is and what it will print
NOTE: a 12x12 Custom Album uses a Print
Size of 15.75 wide x 14.75 Tall
|
Desired Print Size of photograph
(Inches) |
Minimum pixel size (ppi) Optimal Quality Image (300dpi) |
|
4 x 6 |
1800 x 1200 |
|
5 x 7 |
1500 x 2100 |
|
8 x 8 |
2400 x 2400 |
|
8 x 10 |
2400 x 3000 |
|
8.5 x 11 |
2550 x 3300 |
|
12 x 12 |
3600 x 3600 |
|
12 x 18 |
5400 x 3600 |
|
16 x 20 |
6000x4800 |
How do
I scan my image and in what resolution Setting?
When scanning a photo using a minimum of 300dpi will give you
a scan that will be of print quality at the exact same size of the original photo or object, so you absolutely
need to scan at the Highest Resolution your scanner will
allow. 4x6 picture you must scan at 1200 DPI Minimum
To enlarge our original smaller size
photo you will need to increase the resolution accordingly. For example:
6 x 4 print
@ 300dpi scan =
6 x 4 final print @ 300dpi
6 x 4 print
@ 600dpi scan = 12 x 8 final print @ 300dpi
6 x 4 print @ 1200dpi scan = 24 x 16 final print @ 300dpi
What
are the size guidelines I should look at for a 12x12 enlargement?
A.
Final Size
Resolution of 300 dpi/ppi
B.
Image size in the
general range of 3600 x 3600 pixels
C. If you have to scan set your resolution settings to at least 1200 or higher
Can I add text to my image?
A. Yes, you can add text to the front cover,no additional cost
B. If you would like a specific font, please email the font file. Otherwise we will use our creative judgment with an appropriate style and size font
C. Please provide any text requirements at the time of image upload.
What will the back and spine look like?
The back and spines of your custom digital album will be manufactured with our Black textured Select line of materials with the exception of white being used for certain cover images such as the baby images.
Will I Receive a Proof Before Production?
A. Yes, you will receive a composition of the final output if
we feel the file is acceptable to work with.
If you submit a file that is
too small we will notify you immediately for guidance.
B.
A soft proof will be sent in a low resolution
format for reviewing image and text content NOT for print quality or
color. Monitor screen types and display
properties are adjustable and will not produce the final print output.
C.
A hard proof in
final size and output can be sent via Priority mail for and addition fee of
$15.00 upon request.
How
Do I Create my Own Design Album Cover?
Album Options Digital File Specifications
A. Files can be created either
using Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Illustrator and Corel Draw
B. File should be created in RGB Color Mode
C.
Our printers are capable of an 360 DPI output, so create them in 360 dpi for the highest quality
output.
D. 12x12 Album Cover Size should be created 15.75
Wide x 14.75 high
E. 12x12 Spine Size is 6 Wide x 14.75 High
F. 8x8 Album Cover size should
be created 11.75 Wide x 10.75
High
G. 8x8 Spine Size is 5 Wide x 10.75 High
H. Name Each Layer in Native File
I.
Do NOT merge working layers
J. Save entire file in layers in their Native Format. ie: psd, ai, crd
Template indicates that there will be a 1 width bleed border
from top, bottom left and right that
will be a non visible area. Make sure any text or main focal point is within
that area. Anything outside that area is for manufacturing purposes.
Do you
have a template I can use to start my custom design?
You may
Download Working Photoshop Elements Templates on our Share File System once we
set up an account for you.