Low Resolution Warning

The red (!) warning during the design process or in the shopping cart is an alert that the file is too small for the product size selected.

The pixel dimensions, ppi, or measurement of the file is not large enough for a high-resolution print. You may need to select a more appropriate size print for your file.

On a PC you can view the file size information by right-clicking on the file, selecting Properties, and the Details tab. On a Mac, control-click the file, select Get Info and scroll down for the pixel and dpi information.

Check the file size to make sure your dpi is between our recommended 180-300 size.

Check your pixel dimensions to ensure you have enough for the size you want to print. You can use our pixel dimension chart from our Recipe for Resolution for help. 

Check to make sure you have the correct measurement for your print. If you have a high dpi and pixels size but your file is 16x20 and you are ordering a 30x40, this will cause the error message to pop up. You can check this in Photoshop under Image> Image Size, or in other photo editing software.

You can place the order with the warning however, we cannot guarantee a high-resolution print. The result may be a soft, blurry, or pixelated photo.

How can I check the image size and dpi of my file?

In Photoshop

Open the file in photoshop, click the Image menu> Image size. You’ll be able to see the pixels, inches, and resolution of the file. You can resize the file in this window as well.

On the desktop of a PC

Right-click the file

Click properties,

Go to the details tab.

Look for the dimensions, and resolution.

On the desktop of a MAC

Find the image you want to check.

Control+click (ctrl+click) your image. A menu appears.

Click Get Info. ...

Expand the General: section to see your image's file size.

Expand the More Info: section to see your image's dimensions.

In Lightroom

Open your file in Lightroom, find the Metadata Panel, look for the dimensions that will show you the pixel size,  and not the megabytes.