Understanding and Adjusting Image Cropping

Cropping may occur when your image’s aspect ratio—the ratio of its width to height—does not match the shape of the print size or product template you selected.

For example, many camera images have a 2:3 aspect ratio, which fits proportionately within print sizes such as 4 × 6, 8 × 12, or 12 × 18. An 8 × 10 print has a different aspect ratio, so part of a 2:3 image must be cropped to fill the entire print area.

The ordering system preserves your image’s original proportions, avoiding stretching or distortion. When the proportions do not match, you can adjust the crop, choose a more compatible print size, or use Fit when ordering eligible photo prints through ROES.

Cropping controls and requirements may vary by specialty product, size, and template.

Website and ROES Cropping Options

The available cropping controls depend on the product and ordering platform you use.

Artsy Couture Website

• Cropping and positioning options may vary by product.
• For products designed to print edge-to-edge, you can reposition the image to control which areas are cropped.
• The ROES Fit option is not available on the website.

Artsy Couture ROES

• Eligible photo print templates offer both Crop and Fit.
• You can reposition the image within the template.
• Specialty products and templates may have different cropping requirements or controls.

Crop or Fit: What Is the Difference?

Crop — Website and ROES

Choose Crop to fill the selected print area with the image.

• Part of the image may be removed when its aspect ratio does not match the print.
• You can reposition the image to control which areas are cropped.
• The image maintains its original proportions and will not be stretched or distorted.

Fit — ROES Only

Choose Fit when you want to keep the entire image visible.

• The image maintains its original proportions.
• No part of the image is cropped.
• White borders will appear on two sides when the image and print ratios do not match.
• The white borders shown in the ROES template will be printed.

If you do not want the borders in the finished presentation, you will need to trim them after receiving the print.

Option 1: Adjust the Crop

On the Artsy Couture Website

1. Add your image to the selected print or product.
2. Select the image to view the cropping preview.
3. Move the image within the available print area until it is positioned as desired.
4. Carefully review the crop before adding the item to your cart.
5. Check the crop again before submitting your order.

Available editing controls may vary by product.

In ROES

1. Drag your image into the selected template.
2. Select the image within the template.
3. Reposition the image to control which areas will be cropped.
4. Review the complete template before adding it to your cart.

The image placement shown in the ordering preview represents how the file will be positioned for printing.

Option 2: Choose a Different Print Size

To avoid cropping or printed borders, choose a print size with an aspect ratio that matches your image.

For example, a 2:3 image fits proportionately within:

• 4 × 6
• 8 × 12
• 12 × 18

That same image will require cropping or borders when ordered as an 8 × 10, since the proportions differ.

Review our Print Size and Aspect Ratio guide to compare common aspect ratios and compatible print sizes.

Option 3: Fit the Complete Image in ROES

The Crop or Fit option is available for eligible photo print templates in ROES.

To use Fit:

1. Drag your image into the selected print template.
2. Select the image within the template.
3. Locate the Crop or Fit button below the template.
4. Select Fit.
5. Carefully review the complete image and the resulting white borders.

The borders visible in the template are part of the final print and will not be removed by the lab.

For step-by-step assistance, review our ROES Crop or Fit Button guide.

Prepare Your File Before Ordering

You can also prepare your image in your preferred photo-editing software before uploading it.

Crop the file to the intended print ratio or add your own borders to create the composition you want. Save the completed file and upload that version to your order.

Preparing the file in advance may be especially helpful when your image contains:

• Faces or important details near an edge
• Text
• Logos
• Decorative borders
• Precise spacing or alignment

About ROES

ROES is a desktop ordering application that is separate from the Artsy Couture website ordering system. You can place an order without an internet connection, but you must be connected to submit it to our lab.

Download Artsy Couture ROES.

Before You Place Your Order

Carefully review every image, crop, and product template before submitting your order. Customers are responsible for confirming that their images are positioned as intended.

Pay particular attention to faces, text, borders, and other important details near the edges. If something appears too close to an edge, reposition the image, choose a different print size, or prepare the file for the intended ratio before ordering.

Remember that specialty print products, sizes, and templates may have different cropping requirements or available controls.

Still Need Help?

If you have trouble adjusting a crop, selecting an appropriate print size, or using the ROES Crop or Fit option, please contact the Artsy Couture Customer Service team. Include the product, print size, ordering platform, and, if possible, a screenshot of the crop preview so our team can assist.