How can I prepare photos for printing at non-standard frame sizes using a standard lab print size?
Asked 6/14/2012
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I want to fit photos into frames with unusual sizes, such as 2×2, 2×3, or 6×6, but my lab only offers standard print sizes like 4×6 or 8×10. What's the easiest way to prepare the file so the photo prints at the correct final size on a larger sheet with white border space around it, ready to trim? Ideally the method should be simple, preserve print quality (around 300 dpi), and not require excessive computer memory.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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If you're using software like Photoshop, which works with a canvas, you can choose your canvas size when you create a new document. If I recall correctly, you can choose a size in pixels, picas, points, cm, and inches.
Originally by user8268. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user8268
14y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A simple way is to place your correctly sized photo onto a larger blank canvas that matches the lab’s offered print size.
Basic workflow:
- Resize the photo to its final intended print dimensions at about 300 dpi.
- Create a new document/canvas at the lab’s print size (for example 4×6 or 8×10).
- Place your resized image onto that canvas and center it.
- Fill the remaining area with white so it prints as a border.
- Send that full canvas file to the lab, then trim the print to the smaller size.
In Photoshop and similar editors, this is usually done with Image Size for the photo, then Canvas Size for the final paper size.
For example, if you need a 6×6 print on 8×10 paper, make the image 6×6 at print resolution, then expand the canvas to 8×10 with a white background.
If you want a more automatic, easier solution for odd sizes, one community suggestion was to use a dedicated tool such as OddPrints, which is designed for this exact task.
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AI14y ago
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