Printing photos often feels like a lost art form in the digital world. While we take and display photos every day, the act of printing them and creating permanence and tangibility is rare.

Preparing photos for printing is different than editing them for social media. Here are five crucial steps to prepare your images for printing.

Choose the Right Format

One of the main differences between preparing photos for printing and posting them online is the format. Many digital photos are saved as JPEG files. This compressed format is ideal for websites and digital storage, as they require less time to load and use less space. While the effects are typically imperceptible on a computer screen, it's a noticeable difference when the image is printed.

PNG files are sharper and less compressed, making them ideal for printing. They're also the best type of image file for printing transparent backgrounds when using a logo for online poster printing or other marketing materials.

Confirm that your photos are in PNG format before sending them to be printed or printing them at home.

Calibrate Your Screen Before Editing

One of the most common mistakes people make when editing their own photos for printing is diving into the process headfirst. The problem with this approach is that every computer screen is a bit different. The colors showing on the screen may not be accurate reflections of how the printer will look when it's printed.

Calibrate your screen before editing to ensure everything is sharp, clear, and true. Both Windows and Mac operating systems have a native calibration tool in the settings. Let your screen warm up for 20-30 minutes and confirm that it's at the default resolution and color settings before starting.

Choose the Right Printer

The printer you use will directly impact the quality of your images. Sending your photos out for printing from a professional will always produce a better image than one printed from a standard inkjet. However, if you're an avid photographer and have a photo-optimized printer, you can reasonably DIY.

Take some time to research printer options to determine which one is best for your budget and needs. Learn about your printer's settings and how to adjust them for better results. Note that many printers have auto-fix features and will adjust your image naturally. Consider turning this off.

Choose the Right Paper

The paper quality will also impact the outcome of your printed photo. Choose a glossy photo paper that's designed for inkjet printers if you're printing at home. You can also experiment with different mediums to see the result.

Check for Resolution Issues

If you're altering the size of your image by cropping in or printing a large poster, be sure to check for any resolution issues. These are apparent when sending photos for printing, as many professional printing services have built-in warnings. Higher-resolution images are easier to enlarge and print without the risk of blurriness.

Don't hesitate to experiment with paper types and printer settings to see what works best for you. You may prefer your printer's auto-fix setting if editing isn't your forte. When in doubt, talk to a professional for guidance.