A print ratio is a shape, not a promise of print size
Preparing several print files starts with two separate questions: what shape should each image have, and how many pixels will the intended print need? This guide uses ordinary size examples and a synthetic artwork workflow. It does not guarantee printing results. Check the lab's requirements, then inspect the exported files rather than relying on the ratio name alone.
1. Choose the shape before the physical size
A 2:3 rectangle has the same proportions as 4 by 6 inches or 8 by 12 inches. A 3:4 crop fits shapes such as 6 by 8 inches, while 4:5 fits 8 by 10 inches. These examples describe proportions, not interchangeable resolutions. The same exported file can meet the pixel requirement for one size and fall short at a larger size.
11:14 is another shape. ISO A uses a ratio of one to the square root of two; published A-series paper dimensions are rounded physical sizes. Select portrait or landscape to suit the artwork. Do not assume that changing orientation will preserve every element near the image edges.
2. Calculate the required pixels
For a chosen print size, pixels required along a side equal that side's length in inches multiplied by the intended PPI. For centimetres, divide the length by 2.54 to obtain inches before multiplying. PPI means image pixels per inch; it is not the same as the printer's ink-dot DPI specification.
For example, 8 by 10 inches at 300 PPI requires 2400 by 3000 usable pixels. The word usable matters: pixels removed by cropping cannot contribute to the final print. Ask your printer or lab what resolution is appropriate. A 300 PPI example is a calculation reference, not a universal quality guarantee.
3. Check the crop, not just the source
A source may be large enough overall but have too few pixels in the crop you actually select. A tighter frame removes more of the source. Compare the preview's output dimensions with the requirement you calculated. The tool never upscales: a smaller crop stays at its available native size rather than inventing extra pixels.
Changing from 2:3 to 4:5 changes the framing. Check signatures, captions, faces and other important details near every edge. A composition that works for one ratio may need a different position for another. Review the whole-image resize mode instead if you want to preserve the entire composition without cropping.
4. Respect the 4096 px output limit
In crop mode, the long-edge target is a maximum, not a promise that every crop reaches it. No output side can exceed 4096 px. Whole-image resize also enforces the per-side limit; a width or height setting that would push the other side above it is refused. Neither Free nor Batch raises this limit.
An 11 by 14 inch print at 300 PPI needs 3300 by 4200 pixels. Its 4200 px side exceeds the limit. A portrait 11:14 output with a 4096 px long edge is approximately 3218 by 4096 pixels, or about 10.7 by 13.7 inches at 300 PPI. Rounding and the source crop can make actual dimensions differ or be smaller.
5. Confirm each image and each ratio
The crop workflow starts with unconfirmed outputs. Move through the selected ratio tabs, position each crop, inspect the preview and confirm it individually. In Batch, repeat that review for each image in the queue. Loading a settings recipe does not load images, restore crop positions or replace these confirmations.
If you choose a partial export, explicitly consent to exporting only confirmed crops. Unconfirmed items are not silently treated as approved. Read the export report for skipped or failed items; a downloaded ZIP should not be mistaken for proof that every requested output succeeded.
6. Inspect the actual delivery files
After export, unzip the download and check the JPG dimensions, filenames and report. Batch can put each artwork's ZIP inside one outer ZIP; unzip the outer package before using those individual packages. Keep original images separately. The tool reads originals and produces new files rather than modifying the source images.
7. Colour and metadata need their own review
The browser encodes the output JPG again. Preservation of ICC profiles, EXIF metadata and exact colours is not guaranteed; transparent PNG areas become white. This is not a professional prepress tool. Inspect the exported image, follow the printer's colour requirements and use an appropriate proofing workflow when colour fidelity matters.
| Ratio | Physical size example | Required pixels | Check before printing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2:3 | 4 by 6 inches | 1200 by 1800 px at 300 PPI | Landscape reverses the dimensions. The source crop must supply these pixels. |
| 3:4 | 6 by 8 inches | 1800 by 2400 px at 300 PPI | A larger physical print needs more pixels at the same PPI. |
| 4:5 | 8 by 10 inches | 2400 by 3000 px at 300 PPI | This requirement is within the output cap only if the source crop is large enough. |
| 11:14 | 11 by 14 inches | 3300 by 4200 px at 300 PPI | This requirement exceeds the 4096 px limit; selecting 11:14 does not meet it. |
| ISO A | A4 paper: 210 by 297 mm | Approximately 2480 by 3508 px at 300 PPI | Rounded physical paper dimensions and integer pixels are approximate; check the lab's sizing instructions. |
Before you deliver a print file
- Confirm the intended physical size, orientation and PPI with the printer or lab.
- Calculate both required pixel dimensions and compare them with the actual crop output.
- Check all composition edges and confirm every image's selected ratios yourself.
- Remember: no upscaling and no output side above 4096 px.
- Inspect the exported JPGs and report, including any skipped or failed items.
- Review colour requirements separately; retain the original images.