What is "aspect ratio”?

Aspect ratio of an image describes the proportional relationship between its width and its height.

When you enlarge your image for printing, you want to size up both the width and the height proportionally, otherwise your image could get stretched or squeezed

Because you want this:

Not this:

But i need a certain size!

Conflicts often occur when you need your poster to be a certain size to fit in a frame or other specific area. But keep in mind that means that your starting image must be designed at that size or size proportionally to fit. 

When your starting image isn’t the same aspect ratio (or proportion) of the size print you want to order, you’ll need to crop your image to fit, or your final print will have white borders because of the difference between your desired print size and the file you uploaded.

So what can we do?

Conflicts often occur when you need your poster to be a certain size to fit in a frame or other specific area. But keep in mind that means that your starting image must be designed at that size or size proportionally to fit. Remember, just because you need a certain size now doesn’t mean that the photo or image you are starting with automatically sizes properly to that size.

Sizing your image

Images are sized up proportionally, so if the aspect ratio is not the same as your desired size, the image will need to be cropped, or else it won’t fit and you’ll see white borders.

Our Order Wizard has blue handles around the edges and corners of your uploaded image.  Use the handles to resize and crop your image to fill your desired print size.

Image needs to be cropped

Or it doesn’t fit...

Aspect ratio check

Our friendly Order Wizard shows you exactly how your uploaded image fits into your desired print size when you start your order.  If you see area along the sides or top/bottom, there is an aspect ratio mis-match.  You’ll need to use the blue handles in the Order Wizard to resize (and crop) part of your image so that it fills your desired print size.  Otherwise you’ll receive a print with those white borders.  You can even download a proof to ensure everything is looking right before completing the order.

For answers to other common questions about file quality and handy size tables, check out our fille preparation FAQ here.

What can we help you find?

Choose your order method

Order wizard

  • Upload an existing file, photo, or design.
  • Accepts JPG, PDF, PNG, TIF, DOC, XLS, PPT.
  • Our most common order wizard guides you through the order.

Design online

  • Design a poster online with multiple images on one design.
  • Add text and clip art.
  • Use when you don’t have a design ready to upload.

Advanced order

  • Upload files without a wizard or quality check to enter an order quickly. Best for experienced customers and designers only.

How do I create an account?

You create an account when you place your first order. During the first step of the checkout page, you’ll see an option to “save your order” and create an account with a password. This will create your account for future use and save your new order to the account.

You're not able to create an account before placing your first order, as an account is not needed until there is an order to go with it.