How to Prepare Restored Photos for Printing

Jan 23, 2025

Restoring a photo is only half the job. Printing requires the right resolution, file format, and crop. Use this checklist to avoid soft prints or color shifts.

1) Match size to resolution

For prints, 300 DPI is a good target. Here is a quick rule:

  • 4 x 6 in print: 1200 x 1800 px
  • 5 x 7 in print: 1500 x 2100 px
  • 8 x 10 in print: 2400 x 3000 px

If your restored image is smaller, print at a smaller size to keep detail.

2) Choose the right file type

PNG preserves detail and is good for archival storage. High-quality JPG is fine for most prints and is smaller for sharing.

3) Keep color natural

Avoid heavy contrast or extreme saturation. Most labs assume sRGB color, so keep edits subtle to prevent surprises.

4) Check crop and borders

Photos often have uneven borders. Decide if you want a clean edge or a natural paper margin, then crop accordingly.

5) Final print checklist

  • Confirm pixel size for your print dimensions
  • Save a master copy before any additional edits
  • Use sRGB color for lab prints
  • View the file at 100 percent before sending

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How to Prepare Restored Photos for Printing | Blog