How to Get the Best Results with Your Photos on Metal Prints
In order to get the best results and have the most crisp image possible, one of the most important factors to take into consideration is the resolution of your image. We always recommend at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) for the best results on metal. A simple way to calculate that number is to multiple the dimensions of the print by 300, which will give you the minimum resolution.
For example; if you are printing a 4″ x 4″ photo on metal, you will want to make sure the image is at least 1,200px x 1,200px. To get that number, simply multiple the first dimension (4″) by 300 (minimum DPI), which will give you a minimum of 1,200 pixels. For your convenience, we have listed our minimum recommendations for image resolution for our most popular sizes of metal prints:
Best Practices When Uploading Your Photos
Printing your favorite images on metal is one of the most powerful ways to preserve memories, showcase your creativity, and make a bold visual statement. At Prints 4 You, we use premium aluminum panels and state-of-the-art dye sublimation to produce ultra-vibrant, long-lasting metal photo prints. But to get truly stunning results, starting with the right photo setup is key.
Whether you’re printing a family portrait, a travel photo, or your latest artwork, here are our top recommendations to help you get the best possible print—sharp, colorful, and display-ready.
1. Use High-Resolution Images
The most important factor in print quality is resolution. A high-resolution image ensures your final product is crisp and clear, even at large sizes. Here’s what to aim for:
Recommended DPI
For best results, your image should be set at 300 DPI (dots per inch). This resolution ensures that fine details are preserved and reproduced clearly on metal. Low-resolution images may look acceptable on screens but appear blurry or pixelated in print.
Minimum File Size
Aim for at least 2–3 MB for small prints and over 10 MB for larger ones. A larger file size usually means more image data, which helps maintain sharpness when scaled. If your image is under 1 MB, it may not contain enough information to print clearly. Don’t sweat it though – we manually review each image before and after printing! If anything looks off we’ll reach out to you.
Image Dimensions
Images should be at least 1500 × 2100 pixels for small prints, and 3000 × 4200 pixels or more for larger formats. Bigger dimensions allow us to enlarge your image without compromising quality. Always start with the largest version of your photo available.
What to Avoid
Don’t use screenshots, social media downloads, or overly compressed images—they often contain too little data for high-quality prints.
2. Choose the Right Format
We accept a wide range of file types, but for optimal results, we recommend:
Best Formats
We recommend submitting images in JPEG format as these files are great for everyday photos. We do allow professionals to send us TIFF files, however, they must be submitted to us via email (as our upload tool does not support it at this time). TIFF files typically offer the best quality for professional projects.When you are uploading a JPEG, make sure to avoid screenshots or web-optimized images, as these are often compressed and low-resolution.
Color Profile
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Use the sRGB color profile for the most accurate color reproduction in metal prints. This profile matches the color space used by our printers and helps ensure that your photo looks as good on metal as it does on screen. AdobeRGB and other profiles may shift tones slightly.
If you’re unsure whether your file is formatted correctly, our team is happy to review your file before printing.