Can I combine multiple photos into one panoramic file to save on print lab cutting costs?
Asked 8/16/2015
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I noticed an online print lab charges much less for a single long panoramic print than for the same photos ordered as individual 6x4 prints. My idea is to place multiple images into one long file, have the lab print it as a single strip, and then cut the photos apart myself.
Would a print lab typically object to this, or is it just another valid way to order a print? Are there any practical downsides, such as differences in print process, resolution, or paper type, compared with ordering standard individual photo prints?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
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They're not to know what you plan to use the print for and probably wouldn't care. They're a supplier and if they offer it as a service they're not going to care what you do with the prints they send you.
I'd go elsewhere at those prices unless there's a killer feature that your chosen provider offers that you've not mentioned?
By way of comparison: PhotoBox (a large UK printing company which I use regularly) current 6x4 price is £0.12 each incl. VAT for up to 200 prints (plus carriage), offer price breaks on larger orders and regularly do offers on top of that. They also offer a 'premium' option with a higher grade of paper and some other features for around 50% extra. Even the premium option with express shipping would be cheaper than the £36.00 figure you're looking at.
(Prices correct as of August 2015, No affiliation - just a happy customer)
I wouldn't even call them the cheapest.
On top of this you may encounter some technical issues - the JPEG standards (which is all many photo printing companies accept) have a limitation of 65535px height/width and some editors/software may fail with images above 32767px. A 600x4" print will have an absolute maximum of 109dpi - you could do a 6x400" print at 163.8dpi to fit the same number in or some other size.
The sizing limitation could be avoided using a wider print but then you're sending your output to a large format printer which has a lower output quality (DPI) than a 'standard' printer because it's output is intended to be viewed from a further distance.
You'd be better off letting them do their thing with bigger prints and finding alternate vendors for smaller sizes.
Originally by user14028. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user14028
10y ago
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A lab is unlikely to be bothered if their system accepts the file size and format. From their point of view, they’re supplying the print you ordered, and one large print can even be less work than many small ones.
The bigger issue is practicality and output quality. Very long prints may be produced differently from standard 6x4 photo prints, possibly at a different resolution or on a different printer/paper type. Preparing a huge file and cutting it accurately yourself can also be a lot of work.
So yes, it’s generally a valid approach, but check the lab’s specs carefully before doing it. Make sure the panoramic product uses the same print process and quality you expect for small photos.
Also, if the price difference is that dramatic, it may simply be worth using a different lab that offers more competitive 6x4 pricing.
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