Uploads FAQs - Chicago Printing On Canvas & Fine Art Prints, Custom Picture Framing, Plaque Mounting, Metal, Wood & Fabric Dye-sublimation

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1 : What is the maximum file size I can upload?
Our online upload form accepts files only up to 16 MB, in JPG/JPEG format. If you would like to submit TIFF, PDF, or other file formats, please place your order using a small JPEG version of the file, and then submit your original file(s) using one of the following methods:

Bring the original file(s) to our production studio.

Mail the original file(s) on a CD or DVD. Please visit the Contact Us page for our mailing address.

Email us a link to the original file(s) on your server, or provide us with your FTP server info.

Upload the original file(s) to our FTP server. Please contact us for our FTP server info. The printing process will begin once we have received your hi-res file(s).

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Q2 : What file format can I upload?
Our online upload form accepts JPEG images up to 16 MB. If you would like to submit large file sizes in TIFF or other formats, please place your order using a small JPEG version of the file, and then submit your original file through an FTP server, or mail it on a DVD. Please Note: We display small, blank thumbnails after uploading file formats that are not JPG, PNG or GIF, or when uploading bitmaps that are over 6000x8000 pixels, but we will use your hi-res file when printing.

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Q3 : When I prepare my digital file, do I need to include extra space around the image for gallery wrapped edges?
Do not include space for edges or borders in your images. If you order a 36" x 24" print, the image you send will fill the entire 36" x 24" area. The extra space around the image for gallery wrapping will be added by us and will result in a printed image that is larger than 36" x 24". Please visit the Sidebar/edge solutions page to view the options available for wrapped edges.

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Q4 : What is aspect ratio?
The relationship between the height and the length of your photo is called the aspect ratio. Today's digital cameras are different from older cameras. Almost all digital cameras (with the exception of digital SLRs) produce an image with a 4:3 aspect ratio (closer to a square). The reason for this is that the first digital cameras were meant exclusively for use with computer screens (most monitors use a 4:3 aspect ratio). That is how they've stayed ever since.

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Q5 : Which file formats are best for canvas prints?
Our upload form accepts only JPEG files, maximum 16 MB. As a general rule, JPEG files are best if submitting by email or uploading, while TIFF files are best if submitting on CD or DVD or through FTP.

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Q6 : Why, once I have uploaded a photo, do I see a blank thumbnail instead of the thumbnail of my uploaded photo?
The JPEG files created by some digital cameras or software are not in standard format, causing errors in our scripts when creating thumbs. If you see a blank thumbnail, don't worry. This is just a thumb generated by our website. Unless an error message is displayed, we have received the original uploaded photo and you can place your order, regardless of the temporary blank thumbnail photo. If you are uncertain that your photo has been successfully received, please contact us.

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Q7 : What must the minimum resolution of my digital picture or file be, to be printed on canvas?
There is no formula, as maximum print size for a given photo depends on many factors like source (digital camera or scanned file), sharpness, camera lens, file format, compression, photo subject and so on. For example, we have printed 2 MB, 3000x2000 pixel photos at 48"x32" frame size. If you like, you can e-mail us your photo before placing an order. We are happy to consult with you on the best print size for your photo, based on its quality/resolution. Please note: photo subject/style is also a factor to consider. For example, in abstract photos the subject is more important than the resolution and print details, so you can ask for a larger print size.

When printing on canvas, the canvas' texture minimizes pixelations, which also allows us to print a larger image. However, we will not ship an order until we are sure the print quality is acceptable. If we have any concern, we will contact you for a better quality digital file or photo replacement.

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Q8 : I'm trying to place my order online for a gallery wrapped canvas. How do I select the 2-3/8
It is possible to select a 2-3/8" edge for your wrapped canvas when placing your order online. Due to some website issues, this currently requires a little bit of a work-around. Because the 2-3/8" edge options is not visible on the first web form you encounter on the online order form, you can first select another stretcher frame depth for your stretched canvas print, place the item in the Cart, then go into your Cart to select the "SB238" edge from the drop-down menu. This will change your selection to the 2-3/8"-deep stretcher frame.

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Q9 : What is your suggested Color Space?
We recommend Adobe RGB 1998 or sRGB. To read more, see our article Understanding Color Models and Spaces.

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If you don't find the answer you're looking for here, please contact us.