Preparing Your Files for PrintUpdated a month ago

Preparing Your Files for Prints

This guide covers how to get your images ready for printing with Rewind Photo Lab. The short version: our print portal now checks most of this for you as you upload, so you do not need to do any maths before you start.

What Files We Accept

You no longer need to convert everything to JPEG. Our print portal reads all of these directly:

iPhone users: HEIC files upload straight from your phone. You do not need to change your camera settings or convert anything.

Photographers: TIFF uploads directly, so you can send your full-quality export without flattening it to JPEG first. Bear in mind a TIFF is often five to ten times larger, so it will take longer to upload for no visible difference in the print.

File size limits

• Up to 500 MB per file
• Up to 5 GB per order

Converting RAW or PSD Files

RAW files (CR2, NEF, ARW, DNG and similar) and layered Photoshop files need exporting first. RAW files are unprocessed camera data rather than finished images, so how they look is still undecided until you export them. We would rather you make those decisions than have us guess.

Export as JPEG at 100% quality (shown as "maximum" or "12" in some software), or as TIFF if you prefer. The difference between a 100% JPEG and a TIFF is not visible in a print.

Adobe Lightroom:

1. Select the photo(s) you want to export
2. Go to File > Export
3. Under "File Settings", select JPEG from the dropdown
4. Set the Quality slider to 100
5. Click Export

Adobe Photoshop:

1. Go to File > Export > Export As (or File > Save As)
2. Select JPEG as the format
3. Set Quality to 100% or Maximum
4. Click Export or Save

Capture One:

1. Select your image(s)
2. Go to File > Export Images
3. Select JPEG as the format
4. Set Quality to 100
5. Click Export

Mac Photos App:

1. Select your photo(s)
2. Go to File > Export > Export Photos
3. Set Photo Kind to JPEG
4. Set JPEG Quality to Maximum
5. Click Export

Resolution: We Check It For You

Every photo you upload is checked automatically against the size you choose. You do not need to work anything out in advance. If a photo is too small for the size you picked, the portal tells you before you order and suggests the largest size it will print well at.

Fine art prints are flagged below 180 DPI. C-Type prints are more forgiving and go down to 100 DPI, which is why a phone photo makes a perfectly good 6x4".

You can still print anyway

A warning is not a block. If you know the image and you are happy with it, you can accept the warning and we will print it. Some grain or softness is a stylistic choice, and scanned film or older digital files often print beautifully below 300 DPI.

If you would rather plan ahead

The rule is your print size in inches multiplied by 300. An 8x10" print at 300 DPI needs 2400 x 3000 pixels. These are the comfortable targets:

Large prints are viewed from further away, so they tolerate less than 300 DPI far better than a small print held at arm's length. Do not rule out a big print just because the numbers look short.

Checking resolution yourself

• On Mac: Right-click the file > Get Info > look under "More Info" for Dimensions
• On Windows: Right-click the file > Properties > Details tab > look for Dimensions
• In Photoshop: Go to Image > Image Size

Cropping and Aspect Ratio

Photo shapes rarely match paper shapes. A standard camera photo is 3:2, but an 8x10" print is 4:5, so something has to give. You choose which:

The portal crops to fill by default and shows you exactly what will be trimmed. If the crop is not where you want it, open Adjustments on that photo and drag the image to reposition it, or switch to fit and keep the whole frame.

For a fuller explanation, see Understanding Aspect Ratios in Photo Printing.

Colour Space

Colour space sets the range of colours your file can hold. You do not need to understand the detail, just use one of these:

• sRGB, the most common, and the right answer if you are unsure
• Adobe RGB, also accepted, common among professional photographers

Both print beautifully on our systems. If you are not sure which you are using, it is almost certainly sRGB, the default for phones, cameras and most software.

If you print fine art and work to a specific profile, contact us and we will talk it through.

File Naming

The portal handles names with spaces and unusual characters without complaint, so this is no longer something to worry about. It is still worth using clear names, because the name you upload is the name that appears on your order and on our job sheet, which makes any conversation about a specific photo much easier.

• Descriptive beats generic: "beach_sunset.jpg" tells us more than "IMG_4821.jpg"
• You do not need to put the size in the name, you choose sizes in the portal

How to Order

1. Go to rewindphotolab.com.au/pages/order-prints
2. Upload your photos first. Drag them in, or tap to browse. Your phone's camera roll works directly
3. Pick each photo and choose its size and paper. Every photo can be different, and you can order the same photo at several sizes
4. Check the preview and the resolution warning if one appears
5. Add a frame if you want one, in black or white timber
6. Review your cart and check out

Tip: your order saves as you go, so you can close the tab and come back to it. On a large upload, a wired connection or solid wifi will be noticeably faster.

Sizes, Papers and Frames

Small Format Prints (up to 8x12"):
C-Type prints using traditional RA-4 chemical processing on Fujifilm Crystal Archive paper, in Gloss or Lustre. Ideal for everyday prints, albums and gifts.
Learn more about small format prints →

Fine Art and Large Format Prints:
Exhibition quality on premium papers including Ilford Gallerie Pearl, Ilford Cotton Rag (Smooth and Textured), Bauhaus Photo Matt, Lustre and Metallic. Printed with Epson HDX inkjet for exceptional detail and archival life.
Learn more about fine art printing →

Custom sizes:
You are not limited to the size list. Choose any custom size while you order, from 4" on the short edge up to 40 x 60", and the price updates as you enter it.

Framing:
Add a solid Australian timber frame in black or white, with real glass and ready to hang. Choose print-to-edge or a double matt border. We print, mount, seal and package it for you.

Exhibition Support:
Discounted printing and promotional support for eligible exhibition projects.
Learn more about our Exhibition Support Initiative →

Quick Checklist Before Uploading

• ☑ Images are edited and cropped to your liking, we print them exactly as sent
• ☑ RAW and PSD files exported to JPEG or TIFF (everything else uploads as is)
• ☑ Colour space is sRGB or Adobe RGB
• ☑ You have looked over your images for dust spots or blemishes
• ☑ Order is under 5 GB in total

Common Questions

Do I have to convert my photos to JPEG?

No. JPEG, HEIC, PNG, TIFF, WebP and AVIF all upload directly. Only RAW and layered PSD files need exporting first.

Can I upload straight from my iPhone?

Yes. HEIC files from your camera roll work as they are, with no settings to change.

My photo has a low resolution warning. Should I not print it?

Not necessarily. The warning tells you what to expect rather than stopping you. Choose the smaller size we suggest, or accept the warning and print it anyway if you are happy with the look.

My image looks different on screen compared to the print. Why?

Monitors and phone screens emit light, prints reflect it, so the two can never match exactly. We work in calibrated, colour-accurate viewing conditions for consistency. For best results avoid judging colour on a phone or an uncalibrated monitor, and view your print in daylight rather than under warm indoor bulbs.

Can you edit or retouch my photos before printing?

We print files exactly as submitted, so please have them edited before uploading. If you would like retouching, contact us for a quote.

Can I order the same photo at several sizes?

Yes. Upload it once and add it at as many sizes and papers as you like.

Do I have to finish my order in one go?

No. Your order saves as you work, so you can come back to it later.

Need Help?

If you have any questions about preparing your files or placing an order, please get in touch. We would much rather answer a question first than reprint afterwards.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 02 8041 7049