Photo file delivery
Do you have a question about uploading photos? Browse the questions below.
What should I do if my upload connection is slow or keeps dropping?
If your upload connection is slow or occasionally drops out, this is often related to your upload speed (for browsing the internet, download speed is more important). You can test your upload speed via this website: www.speedtest.net.
As a reference, an upload speed of around 35 Mbps is comfortable to work with (although fibre internet is ideal, often reaching speeds of up to 2000 Mbps). If your speed is significantly lower, there is room for improvement. Connection fluctuations can sometimes be reduced by using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi.
How should I submit my photos?
You place your order online via our website.
We recommend submitting your photos as .jpg files. TIFF files are not necessary for printing, not even for large formats. .psd files are also not recommended, as these are open files and layers may be lost, which can cause issues. With JPEG files, you’re always on the safe side. When supplied at 300 ppi, this is more than sufficient.
Our software also checks the file size before uploading. This is clearly indicated by a yellow or red warning triangle with an exclamation mark.
The rule “the larger the file, the better the print” does not apply here. We only use the pixels that are needed, and a JPEG file is just as suitable as a TIFF file, provided it contains enough pixels for the chosen size.
At what resolution do you print?
In principle, all submitted images are printed as optimally as possible, using the best resolution the file allows. You therefore don’t need to adjust your images in advance. If an image does need to be modified, please use the following guidelines:
Photo prints up to 30 × 45 cm are printed at 320 ppi
Photo prints larger than 30 × 45 cm and wall art are printed at 254 ppi
Canvas prints are printed at 240 ppi
Photo albums are printed at a resolution of 300 ppi
Can I submit my photo book in a different way?
Would you like to know more about this topic? Then read “Submitting a photo book”.
What is image optimisation?
When placing your order, you can enable the OPT option (automatic image optimisation). This automatically enhances your photos by adjusting colour, brightness and contrast.
At many print labs, optimisation is enabled by default. At Profotonet, it isn’t — we leave that choice to you, as many photographers prefer to correct their images manually. Have you already edited your photos and properly calibrated your screen? In that case, we recommend leaving this option turned off.
Tip: Read our article “My print is too dark” for helpful tips on assessing your photos correctly.
When is optimisation applied?
Optimisation is only applied if you select the “Optimisation” option in the filters or settings. When enabled, you’ll see a preview in your design showing approximately how your photo will look with optimisation.How much will my photo change?
This varies per image and can’t be predicted with complete certainty. In most cases, colours are refreshed, brightness is improved and contrast is enhanced — subtle, but noticeable.Can I add a white border to my photos?
Yes, you can choose the white border option when placing your order by selecting “White Borders (WB)”. The border has a width of approximately 5% of the chosen photo size. The photo paper itself does not become larger; instead, your image is printed slightly smaller on the paper.
White borders are available when the letters WB are shown with the selected product. If these letters are not displayed, the option may only appear after clicking “order this size”. In that case, go back, select “WB” first, and then click “order this size” again.
Which colour space do you print in?
Profotonet works with its own ICC profiles. When you submit photo files in sRGB, Adobe RGB or ProPhoto RGB, we automatically convert them. In most cases, you don’t need to do anything yourself.
Please note: Submitting files in CMYK (print colours) can lead to unexpected results. We therefore strongly advise against using CMYK.
For professional photographers
Are you a professional photographer and would like to test how our printers handle colour? Read our blog “Does Profotonet offer colour management?”.