Frequently Asked Questions

What file quality do I need?

We use a special process to eliminate quality loss in picture scaling and we accept all filetypes, including jpeg gif png tiff psd ai doc ppt zip xls and many more!

How long until my custom prints arrive?

Order are printed the same day as ordered and depending on print type are completed and shipped in the next 4-5 business days.

Custom posters are almost always printed the same days as ordered and shipped out the very next business day.

Does my image have to be high-res to make a suitable poster?

Moderately high-res images (anything above 72ppi with a resolution around 1000px x 1000px) make the best posters, but smaller images work well too. We use bicubic re-sampling and custom filters to get the clearest possible picture when we create posters. Plus we review the quality of each file and will contact you before printing if the resolution is not high enough.

What is the maximum size you can print?

We are now offering extra-large sizes! We can print posters at any size up to 60" by 1200" (that's 5 foot by 50 feet!) Metric: 152.4cm x 1524cm (1.5m x 15.5m)

Do you offer international shipping?

We ship anywhere within the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

If I order today, when can I expect arrival?

Our average delivery time within the US is 3 business days. The average delivery time to Canada is 6 business days. To Europe, Australia, and the rest of our supported countries the estimated delivery time is 6-10 days. Rush delivery is available.

Where is my poster shipping from?

We are based in Chesapeake, Virginia USA.

What is the difference between RGB and CMYK? Which one do you use when printing?

Most images and graphics found on the web are in RGB format and all printing is done in CMYK color. If your image is RGB we will set up the pixel depth and overall resolution so it amounts to a certain ratio of the selected dpi (ppi is usually half to 3/4 of the dpi) so it accurately reflects the color saturation and intensity of sRGB.

There is no quality loss or color degredation when custom poster printing using RGB or CMYK.

Will my poster have a border?

All our posters come with a standard 3mm white margin around the edges. We are working on adding a "borderless" option to our site, but in the meantime you can email us after placing your order and let us know you would like your poster printed without the 3mm margin.

How exact is my poster going to be cut?

We are very careful about the cutting and alignment of your poster. Once you upload you are given two choices; one is to "print as is" where we will fit the image to your selected print size (and add black letterboxing if it doesn't fit), or you can choose "customize" and use our flash tool to align your poster exactly how you want it.

The customize tool will show you the exact printing area for the poster size you chose.

I've wanted this picture as a poster forever. I really can't find a higher quality image than this one unfortunately. What options do I have?

Most low quality images turn out great at a medium size like 16x20 or 18x24. If I were to print a low quality image at 18x24 and you looked at it very closely you would be able to notice tiny uni-color lines called artifacts that are the result of extrapolation. If you were viewing it from 3 or 4 feet away you won't see the artifacts the but it will appear slightly out of focus.

I'd say go for it, only for the fact that if you think it's too blurry when it arrives just let me know and you can swap for a bigger image or get your money back, no questions asked.

Is there a way to have a poster made from a non digital photograph?

Absolutely. You can mail the photograph to our office, address is here. We will scan it, make it into a poster, and ship both pictures back to you. You can email us once the image is on the way with the size and any alterations you'd like to make.

What printing process do you use?

We use Adobe Photoshop © with a couple custom plug-ins to reduce quality loss if upscaling is necessary. Each poster is hand created to match the submitted order exactly (if you customize by adding text, styles, or a template) and is then sent to our large format printer. From there we will cut any excess margins and roll it up into a shipping tube and it's on it's way.

Marketplace Questions

Where can I learn more about selling my artwork?

You can get more information about selling your artwork, as well as step by step instructions for using our system by reading the Member Guidelines page.

How fast will my print arrive if I live in the USA, Canada, Europe, or Asia?

All prints are made to order and are often printed within 24 hours of your order. Shipping times will vary depending on your region but we will keep you fully informed during the shipping process. Once your print is packaged and shipped out you will receive a tracking or shipping confirmation number as well as updates and notifications from us about your shipping status. You can also track your order on OpenPrints at any time by entering your order information on the tracking page.

What type of paper is used for photo prints?

All our photo prints are made using the highest quality, thick 230 gsm photo-gloss paper.

What is a stretched canvas print?

Stretched canvas prints are made by wrapping museum quality canvas paper around a solid wood frame. All canvas prints are covered with a premium protective coating that provides for a lifetime of rich colors.

Can I be sure that my package will arrive in a good condition?

Yes every print is carefully packaged using weather proof polystyrene bags and securely fitted in a box or shipping tube custom designed to offer maximum protection. If however your package is mishandled or otherwise damaged in any way during transit we will replace your print for free, and we will do it fast. For more information please see our return policy page.

What is the cost of shipping?

Photo Prints: Shipping to the USA and Canada is $7.99 for ground service and 19.99 for rush shipment. International shipping is $12.99 for standard international and 32.99 for international rush shipping.

Stretched Canvas: Shipping to the USA is 14.99 for standard shipping if the canvas print is 24 x 36 inches or smaller. Rush shipping for small canvas prints is 24.99. For large canvas prints over 24 x 36 inches, the price for Fedex Ground is 29.98. For rush shipments on large canvases the price is 39.98. For shipments to Canada Fedex International Ground is 19.99 while rush shipping is 29.99. All shipping prices are flat rate by product type - there is no additional shipping fee for more than 1 of the same product (ie. Poster Prints, Canvas Prints).