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Preparing Your Files

If you use any of our ordering software we recommend that you do not resize your files, simply send them as they are (see below for exceptions). We prefer sRGB and we accept other color spaces such as Adobe RGB. We will color correct and resize your files as needed.

If you would like to color correct your own files please use our Economy Services and see guidelines in color management. Following are further particulars:

  • Bay ROES will only accept jpegs.
  • Only one file is necessary per image, even if multiple print sizes are ordered from that image.
  • If you have done Photoshop work please discard any extra channels and be sure to save using highest quality jpeg settings.
  • We prefer that you leave your files at the original file size but in some cases, where those files are much larger than what is being printed, i.e. for Proofbooks and proofs, some people like to reduce their file sizes for quicker uploads.
  • If nonstandard print sizes are needed, canvas the file in Photoshop® and then order a proportional print size, or use the "Fit" option in Bay ROES.
  • Keep in mind that our printer will resize each print at the optimum resolution for that size.
  • Unless ordered via ROES (cropping and sizing is done in ROES), prints with an aspect ratio different from file ordered will automatically be cropped from the center.
  • We provide color corrections to your files unless you indicate otherwise by using our Economy Service.

 

Recommended file size

Digital Cameras measure their resolution in pixels. These pixels are NOT measured per inch, but are a total count of how many pixels were used to capture the entire image. If you take a digital photo at 1600x1200 pixels, the total pixel count of the captured image will be 1,920,000 pixels. Whether you print this 1600x1200 image as a 8”x10” photo or an 16”x20” photo, the original file will still have 1,920,000 pixels.

Photos intended for print should be taken at the highest [pixel] resolution possible for the best print quality. Lower resolution photos printed at larger sizes may stretch the pixels beyond the point where they look clear and sharp however it is amazing how large you can print a small file that is sharp and properly exposed. View your files at 100% in an image application such as Photoshop, this will give you an excellent representation of how the file will print.

Print Size Minimum Image Resolution

Print Size Pixel Dimension @250 dpi File Size
@ 250 dpi
Minimum Pixel Size
to yield good prints		 Minimum File Size
to yield good prints
4x6 1000x1500 4.29 Megs 200x300 1 Megs
5x7
 1250x1750 6.26
 250x350 1.75
8x10
 2000x2500 14.4
 400x500 3.5
8x12 
 2000x3000 17.2
 550x700 4
11x14
 2750x3500 26.6
 700x1050 5
16x20
 4000x5000 57.3
 1200x1500 9
20x24
 5000x6000 85.9
 1300x1560 12
24x30
 6000x7500 128.8
 1550x1937 17.5
30x40
 7500x10000 214.6
 1625x2166 20


*File sizes are full image sizes not compressed jpeg size. In other words your jpeg size will be smaller than the file sizes listed above. To view and display the file sizes listed above, open the jpeg in an image application such as Photoshop to check the Image Size.

What is an image histogram?

A histogram is a very powerful measuring tool that graphically represents the data within an image file. Having an understanding of a histogram will enhance your camera’s exposure which determines the pixel values of your image. Having properly exposed images is the #1 thing to improve color management. Understanding Histograms: Histogram Exposed.

File Size Calculator

Calculate Size of a File in Megs
  • What is the resolution? dpi
  • What is the width? inches
  • What is the Height? inches

    = Megs
 
Calculate the Resolution of a file
  • How big of a file in Megs? Megs
  • What is the width? inches
  • What is the Height? inches

    = DPI

 
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Bay Photo Lab offers professional photographic printing, press printing, canvas wraps, mounting and photo finishing, MetalPrints, & other high-quality pro lab services to photographers around the world from our state-of-the-art lab in Santa Cruz, California.