Large photo print

Some photographers send files to the lab which don’t match the requirements of large photo printing. The XXLPIX system does automatically recognise image files with lower resolution, but some slip past this quality control if they’ve been upscaled in a photo editing program. This method is only viable in few cases. Always check the upscaled image at 100% to make sure the quality is sufficient.

Most large format prints currently ordered by professional photographers are reworked in a photo editing program. This process is making photography more valuable, and making large photo prints more and more impressive. However, retouching should be handled with extreme care, especially when it comes to large format printing. Even minor gradient issues in the image file can quickly become visible in the lab. For that reason you should always double check all your changes before ordering, as a professional print from our lab makes every minor detail visible.

Image cropping is an especially important point when it comes to large format printing on canvas. The gallery frame which is so popular with professional photographers requires a larger border allowance in your motif. As a professional photo lab, XXLPIX recommends 3 cm border allowance for standard frames and 5 cm for gallery frames. You can preview your visible picture detail without border allowance either in your program, or at your convenience on the XXLPIX ordering page to ensure that your large photo print comes out with the best possible results.

Black and white prints are much loved by professional photographers. At the photo lab, black and white large prints from photo look particularly impressive. Unfortunately even professional photographers often transfer photos to the lab to be printed in black and white, without setting the colour to monochrome. This means that colour information from the colour channels is also transferred, which interferes with the black and white print. These images then have a tint of colour, which the lab workers won’t be able to recognise as intentional or unintentional. If you want a pure black and white print you should always set your image to monochrome before sending it to the XXLPIX lab.

Large format photo prints have different surface characteristics, which determine their suitability as prints in the photo lab, depending on the picture. For example a flowery landscape printed in the lab on brushed Alu-Dibond can have be absolutely stunning. While canvas is more of the classical, artistic medium, Alu-Dibond is more frequently used for technical or architectural motifs. Acrylic glass appears modern due to its high gloss surface, while premium composite appears the most valuable and high quality, being also the most highly priced product in the lab.

The photo products produced in the XXLPIX lab are high grade quality products, optimised for maximum image impact using colour, truth to detail and image definition. Professional photographers can choose between different media, but often choose value products for financial reasons or to meet clients’ wishes. They are often bad choices. Image files printed in XXL format on 3 mm acrylic glass will never have the stability of 8 mm acrylic glass or premium composite in the same size. At the latest this problem can become clear while trying to mount the product. This error can be avoided with professional advice from the lab, especially considering the possible expense of a repeat production.

The mounting method used for large format photo products is often overlooked, even by professional photographers. Although thousands of euros are invested for premium productions in the lab, the cheapest mounting methods are often chosen in the end. In the worst case, this error is first apparent when the mounting system fails. Large formats out of acrylic glass or premium composite can reach weights of over 50 kg. If a mounting system collapses with such a weight it can be dangerous, and even lead to legal issues. Therefore always pay heed to advice concerning mounting.