6 Common Photo Printing Mistakes

We all want our photos to become something lasting—a print you'll pin to the fridge, frame on the wall, or pass from one set of hands to another. But starting the process of uploading and ordering your pictures can feel intimidating. Many small decisions, from file size to finish, can impact your final result.

Here are six common photo printing mistakes — and expert tips to help you avoid them.

A laptop open to the Mpix website ordering platform. The screen shows a blurry photo being edited.

#1 UPLOADING BLURRY OR OUT OF FOCUS PHOTOS

A print can only be as sharp as the photo you start with. Images that are blurry or out of focus on your screen will be even more noticeable in print, especially at larger sizes. Before ordering, zoom in on your photo to check for crisp details, and choose a smaller print size if the image isn't perfectly sharp.

Pro tip: When in doubt, smaller prints are often more forgiving than enlargements.

Hands holding a phone so you can see the screen. The screen shows a screenshot off social media featuring a little girl playing in a pile of leaves.

#2 PRINTING A SCREENSHOT

Screenshots may look sharp on your phone, but they often lack the resolution needed for a high-quality print. Enlarging a screenshot can lead to blurry details, pixelation, and less vibrant images. For the best results, we recommend following our How to Upload Photos Guide by uploading the original, high-resolution photo instead.

Pro tip: If you only have a screenshot, go with a smaller print size to help minimize pixelation.

Hands holding a phone so you can see the screen. The screen shows someone editing a photo of family standing outside in the street.

#3 FORGETTING TO EDIT BEFORE UPLOADING

A few simple edits can make a noticeable difference in print. Before uploading, take a moment to adjust brightness, contrast, color, or cropping so your photo looks the way you want it to. Small refinements help ensure your finished print reflects the moment as you remember it.

Pro tip: Edit on a larger screen when possible. A bigger screen allows you to zoom in on fine details so you're not making cropping or color decisions on a small preview.

A laptop open to the Mpix website ordering platform. The screen shows a photo being cropped.

#4 IGNORING THE CROP ON YOUR PHOTO

Not every photo fits every print size. Because different print sizes use different aspect ratios, your image may be cropped to fit the dimensions you choose. Before placing your order, review the crop and make adjustments if needed to keep important details—like faces, hands, or the horizon—exactly where you want them.

Pro tip: Make sure all key elements of your photo are safely inside the gray border before you submit to print.

An 8x10", 16x20", and 30x40" print hanging on the wall above a couch. They are next to one another to illustrate the difference in wall space they take up in relation to the couch below.

#5 CHOOSING A PRINT SIZE WITHOUT MEASURING

Choosing the right print size starts with knowing the space you’re working with. Before you order, measure your wall to make sure your print feels balanced within the room—not too small, not too overwhelming. Consider the furniture and other pieces around it too.

Pro tip: Use painter’s tape to map out the dimensions before you commit. A few minutes of measuring can make all the difference in creating a display that feels just right.

A laptop open to an Mpix checkout screen.

#6 SKIPPING A FINAL CART REVIEW

Before you place your order, take one last look through your cart. Double-check your print sizes, quantities, paper selections, and crop previews to make sure everything is just right. A quick review can help you catch small mistakes before they become permanent prints.

Pro tip: Order a small test print first if you're trying a new size or paper finish for the first time.