If you received a print that is blurry, grainy, out of focus or has other image issues, it's important to remember that your print is going to be an exact replica of the file you upload to us. If your source file was blurry, grainy, out of focus,contained artifacts or pixelation, your resulting print is going to have the same issues.
Why did you print the image?
When you upload an image to us, you are shown a representation of the image, and given a downloadable proof that will show you the image quality of the print you will receive. Before checking out, you must check that you have read and agree to our Terms of Service which state that you have reviewed and approved your proof, and that if your source image is blurry or pixelated, you are wishing to proceed with the print. Many customers order lower quality images for various reasons, we assume you've read the terms and understand what you are ordering, as well as understand the quality of your source image and decided to order anyway.
Resolution vs Image Quality
t’s important to understand the difference between resolution and blurriness or focus issues, as they are two different things.
While it's important to have the highest resolution image possible for printing, it's also entirely possible to have a high resolution, yet blurry, source image. Resolution is the amount of pixels contained in your source file, the more pixels the better. High resolution photos have high resolution (more dots per inch). A 1200 dpi file vs a 75 dpi file at the same size will have more resolution. Starting with a high resolution image typically means there are enough pixels and resolution to blow your image up to a large size.
But, this can go awry if a customer tries to artificially add resolution to an image that is low resolution to begin with. You can't simply imcrease the resolution (or save at a higher dpi), a low resolution file, as all you are doing is adding more pixels and making an already small or blurry image into a high resolution, yet blurry, image.
For this reason, never try to artificially increase the resolution of a file on your own. Use the original image and allow our systems to determine if that can be printed at the size you desire.
File Quality Check
If you used our File Quality Check tool and it told you that you had a high resolution image suitable for printing at a certain size, it's important to understand the difference between resolution and bluriness and focus issue:
When you upload a file to our order system or use the “File Quality Check”, our site calculates the resolution (the total dots per inch) in your file and then determines the maximum size your image can be enlarged before it will start to pixelate or look distorted. This is because resolution determines how many pixels your source image contains, and the more pixels you have, (the higher resolution), the larger you can print a photo before distortion begins.
However, it’s impossible for the computer to know if your image is blurry to begin with. Just because you have a high resolution image doesn’t mean it isn’t already blurry or out of focus. When we enlarge your image for poster printing, we are ‘enlarging’ what you already send to us. We count on you to be choosing and uploading an image that is already crystal clear and in focus to begin with, then the resolution checking tool will be accurate. It is possible to upload a very high resolution, but blurry, file.
Check Your Source Image
If you upload an image that is already out of focus or blurry, you’re going to receive a larger version of the same image. We cannot be responsible for ‘blurry’ images when your source file is already blurry. We rely on you looking at what you are uploading and understanding you are going to receive a larger version of the file you upload. Generally, if the image you are uploading is crystal clear, your enlarged print will also be clear, and the Quality Check will be able to tell you how large it can be printed and remain clear. If you are uploading an image that is already blurry or not sharp at the size you are uploading it, you are going to receive a larger version with the same issues.
Always check your source image on your own screen at actual size to ensure you’re selecting an image that is perfectly clear, and in perfect focus, before sending to us for printing.
Take a moment and open your source iimage, then zoom into it at large sizes and compare it side by side with the print you received. They should be the same.
Refunds & Reprints
We are unable to offer refunds on custom printed materials, as a downloadable proof is made available from our order wizard for you to check the quality of the print at actual size before ordering. It is the customer's responsibility to do this before checking out. Once you've checked out, you've accepted the quality of the file you've uploaded and approved the proof. We cannot reprint the same image as you'll receive the same quality of print again.
As a courtesy, in some cases, Posterprintshop.com may offer goodwill gestures such as discounts on future orders or partial cost coverage to help customers reprint with improved design files.
Print Issue
In the unlikely event you received a print that is significanlty different than the source image you uploaded, we will work with you on a reprint once it is determined there was a print issue. We'll need to compare a photo of the print you received against the source file you uploaded to determine next steps. If the print matches your source image, then we printed what you ordered, and you'd need to find a higher quality image if you'd like to order again with better results. If you provide an improved source image that corrects the issues present in the original file, we may reprint your order using the enhanced file. However, customers are generally responsible for covering the shipping fees for replacement prints. For additional help or guidance, our support team is available to assist you in ensuring your prints meet the highest standards. Feel free to contact us for more information.