Frequently Asked Questions

Artwork / image / photo submission tips

Q. What is pixel and how can I check the pixel adequacy of my artwork / image (photo)?

A. Pixel, or sometimes known as resolution, is the basic unit of measurement for digital images. A high-resolution image will result in a better print quality than a low-resolution image. In a nutshell, printing with low-resolution will result in a blurred print quality, while a high-resolution will result in clearer and sharper print quality.

To check pixel / resolution size of your artwork / image (photo):

  • Windows: right click on your file, select "Properties" and look under "Details"
  • Mac: right click on your file and select "Get Info"
  • Photoshop: choose "Image" and then "Image Size"

The adequate image resolution will vary and will depend on the intended print size. Our online builder will display a message when you have selected an image that is below print requirements.

Q. What file format shall I use?

A. Our online builder accepts files in .jpg, .bmp, .tif, .png, and .gif.

Q. Can I use Black and White or Sepia images (photos)?

A. Yes, our online builder and printing capabilities support back and white and sepia images, as well as artwork designed on Paint or other graphic-design software.

Q. How do I resize an image to make it fit your puzzle?

A. If the image file that you uploaded does not fit our puzzle properly and you want to resize it to fit our requirements (shown on the right hand side of our puzzle maker just below the big red "upload images" button), you can either resize it on your own computer's image editing software or if you don't have this available, you can resize them using online image editing tools such as http://www.picresize.com.

Q. How can I submit my artwork / image (photo)?

A. You can upload your images straight from your computer via the upload feature located in the product page. If you do not have a digital image and need to have an image scanned, then please see below for scanning tips.

Q. Can I use scanned images? And are there any tips for using scanned images?

A. Yes you can use scanned images and for optimal quality please ensure the following:

  • Wipe your scanner bed to remove dust and particles
  • Scan original copy for optimal clarity (and not a copy version)
  • Glossy photos have a better scan quality than matt
  • Set the scan at 300 dpi
Q. Are there images (photos) that do not reproduce well?

A. The following is a list of images (photos) that DO NOT generally reproduce well:

  • Out-of-focus or blurred
  • Severe exposure issues (too dark or too light)
  • Have been altered or cropped
  • Scanned under 300 dpi
  • Shared/stored images from public websites
  • Images sent back and forth via email
  • Cell-phone images (unless the camera is 5 mega pixels or above)
Q. How to prepare images for print bleeding and what is the safe area for ensuring my design is not cut off?

A.

Print bleeding

To accommodate for print bleeding (yellow border area on image), there is an additional 36-72 pixels (3-6mm) removed from each dimension (18-36 pixels each side based on a 150DPI image), therefore you will see 18-36 pixels cut off each side of your images that you upload. If your image upload is 300DPI, then the bleeding area for each side would multiply to 36-72px (2x(18-36px)). This is industry practice to allow printing to the edge without seeing inconsistent white gaps.

Safe Area

See the image size uploads below and what to allow for bleeding which is in the range 18-36 pixels (3-6mm) each side based on a 150DPI image. The Safe Area is highlighted with a red dotted line (required only on some sizes) and is a further18-36 pixels (3-6mm) each side based on a 150DPI image. Keep text and other important parts of your design, image, or photo inside the Safe Area! During the production of your puzzle, some of the content outside the safe area may be cut off. Everything inside the safe area will be preserved. Note that the red dotted line will not be printed but for your reference only.

Simple answer
Basically, please keep everything you want printed inside of the red dotted lines. There is a small chance that anything in the gap between the yellow border and red dotted line to be cut off during production.

puzzle bleeding area

Puzzle size Minimum image upload Bleeding (based on 150DPI image)
20"x28" 4272 x 3072 pixels 9mm (36px)
18"x24" 3672 x 2772 pixels 9mm (36px)
12"x16.5" 2503 x 1866 pixels 4.5mm (18px)
5"x7" 1086 x 786 pixels 4.5mm (18px) + (4.5mm (18px) for safe area)
Heart shaped 1350 x 1087 pixels 4.5mm (18px)
8x10 1536 x 1236 pixels 4.5mm (18px)
Round shaped 1123 x 1123 pixels 4.5mm (18px)
Tray puzzle 1770 x 1470 pixels 4.5mm (18px)
Q. Can I store my artwork / image (photo) on your website?

A. Yes you can easily store your artwork and images on our website inside your photo library. After uploading, please click on save to photo library button button located at the top (and bottom) of the page to save them into your photo library, a space we have created for your convenience.

Q. What if I can't complete my designs in one sitting?

You can save your project and return to it later by clicking on the "save" button save project buttonlocated at the top (and bottom) of the page.

Q. Why can't I resize my uploaded image (photos)?
resize image

If our online builder will not allow you to increase image size, it means that your uploaded image is at its maximum optimal size (going above will affect print quality).

If our system won't let you reduce image size, it means your image is already at its minimum optimal size (going below will produce empty spaces).

However, if your image is resizable, you can resize it from the image edit screen by moving the slider left or right.

Q. Is there a quick way to move my Facebook images (photos) to your online builder?

A. Yes you can conveniently do this by clicking on the Sign-in to Facebook button facebook buttonon the right hand side of the online builder. Once you have signed-in to your Facebook account, you will have access to photos.

Q. How do I create my custom box design and what format should the images be in?
custom box

Download the correct box template by choosing "custom box" option under "choose packaging" section on product page.

Open the file on your own computer to design artwork and after you're done, send your designed custom box file to us via below link, choosing "Custom box design" as subject with your order number. To get your order number, continue to create your puzzles on our puzzles maker and place your order as normal.

Link for sending us your custom box file.

We will check your files submitted to us for any problems and confirm the details with you. Images accepted: JPG, BMP, PNG, GIF, TIFF, EPS, PDF (Image resolution: Minimum 300 dpi). Reminder: Please add 3mm or 1/8" bleeding on all side and remove the black line before providing the box files.

See other FAQs

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