Maybe it's your first photo book, or maybe you just need a quick reminder of what to look out for before you place your order - either way, we're here to help! Here's a quick checklist of things to check your project for before you place your order:
1. Make sure your images are in the color profile sRGB
For color consistency between screen and print, make sure every image is converted to sRGB. Check our how-to guides here on how to change your color profile, and the reasoning behind it.
Head here for more information: File Specifications & Profiles
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2. Check for the low-res warning
The low-res warning in our editor picks up on the DPI (dots per inch) of the image, and if it's lower than 150 DPI, a warning pops up. We recommend that files be sized to 300 DPI for the highest quality printing.
This warning is set to prompt an image that may not print the most crisp at the size chosen, but the orange warning itself will not print. The photo will print pretty true to what you see on the screen with some loss of quality. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee any image with a low-resolution warning will print great, but this will give you an idea!
What to do: We recommend moving images that are low resolution into smaller layouts within the editor, to condense the pixels and help the image print more clearly. You can also remove the image from your project, or upload the larger original image if you have it.
For more info: Common Editor Warnings & File Specifications & Profiles
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3. Check the trim zones
In every layout, the editor will automatically "trim" the edges of each page/layout, to show more accurately what will/will not print. Make sure that you can see all important details within your layouts in the editor - if you can't see it, it won't print!
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4. Delete those blank pages
Every page you see in the editor will print, even if it is blank. To prevent blank pages in your book, delete the extras - click Edit Pages in the left sidebar in the editor.
Head here for more information: Will My Project Print With Blank Pages?
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5. Turn your screen brightness down
Often, we have to edit for the difference in how images transfer from a screen to print since the screen is backlit and the print is not. Also, since we use matte paper in all of our books, the ink absorbs a bit more, so darker images may appear even darker in print.
To avoid your photos printing dark, drop your screen brightness down to 50%. From there, adjust the brightness of each photo until it looks ok.
Head here for more information: Will My Photos Print Dark?
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6. Review your project in full
Double-check every text box, layout, and image to make sure all is well before you order. We’re inspired by your unique perspective and creativity, so we don’t make any changes to your images or project once it’s been ordered. Take time now to make sure there are no typos, repeat images, or other design errors.
Head here for more information: Can You Review My Project?
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7. Check the PDF Proof
The PDF proof is the most accurate proof in our system and represents how your project will print. This is essentially the file we will send to our production facility to be produced into a physical product (without the watermarks of course).
You can email yourself a PDF preview of your project by clicking the three dots icon in the top center of the editor, then selecting "Menu". This will open a menu on the right-hand side of the editor screen. Click "Email Print Proof", enter the email address, and click "Send". You will see the message: "Your proof is being generated and will be sent to the email address below. This may take a few minutes."
Head here for more information: Understanding PDF Proofs