FreePrints photo printing guides
Ideas and simple how-tos to help you turn favorite photos into prints and gifts worth sharing, so the moments that matter have a place in everyday life.
Guide Photo print sizes: How to choose the right fit Match size to display space, framing, and image detail, plus how crops and resolution affect your print.
Choose your photo print size based on where you want to display it, how the photo is framed, and how much detail the image contains. A 4×6 works well for everyday albums, a 5×7 gives a favorite photo more presence on a desk, and an 8×10 can become the focus of a shelf or wall display.
FreePrints lists print sizes in inches. A 4×6 print measures 4 inches by 6 inches, whether you display it vertically or horizontally.
Which photo print size should you choose?
These common sizes offer a useful starting point:
| Print size | Good uses | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| 4×6 | Everyday snapshots, photo albums, sharing prints with family | Check that your album has 4×6 pockets. This rectangular size has a 2:3 aspect ratio. |
| 5×5 | Square photos, coordinated displays, scrapbook layouts | The square shape works well when the subject fits comfortably within a square crop. |
| 5×7 | Desk frames, gifts, individual portraits | A little larger than a 4×6, with a different shape that may require a different crop. |
| 8×10 | Framed portraits, family photos, wall displays | Check the image resolution and crop carefully, especially if people are near the edges. |
These are suggested uses, not rules. Before choosing a size, measure the space where the print will go. If you already have a frame, check the photo size it holds, not its outside dimensions. For a frame with a mat, check the photo size specified for the opening.
Why changing the size can change the crop
Choosing a larger print does not always mean enlarging the whole photo. Different print sizes have different proportions, also called aspect ratios.
For example, 4×6 and 8×10 prints are different shapes. To fill an 8×10 with a photo composed for a 4×6, some of the image will need to be cropped.
Before ordering, look closely at:
- Faces, hands, and feet near the edges.
- Important background details.
- Text or dates within the photo.
A tightly framed group photo may leave little room for cropping. A photo with extra space around the subjects gives you more flexibility.
How much image resolution do you need?
Larger prints need more pixels to retain detail. Start with the highest-resolution original image available on your device.
FreePrints recommends a resolution of 300 dpi for the best print quality. An effective resolution of 200 dpi is generally satisfactory.
Pixel dimensions tell you how much image information the file contains. Cropping removes some of that information, so a small section of a photo may not enlarge as well as the full image.
How to choose a print size in FreePrints
- Open the FreePrints app and tap Begin.
- Select your photos, then tap Next to reach the Select Sizes screen.
- Scroll to find the photo you want to adjust. One 4×6 print is added for each photo by default.
- Tap Add More Sizes beneath the photo preview, then choose the size you’re adding.
- Choose the quantity you want in that size. You can add more than one size of the same photo.
- Tap the crop icon to adjust the crop for the selected size. Repeat for each size you add.
- If you are already in the cart, tap Back until you return to Select Sizes.
Before you order
Check that the print fits your album or frame, review the crop for every size, and use the highest-resolution original available. Those checks help you choose a size that suits both the photo and the place you want to display it.
Features Photo print upgrades: Finishes, personal touch, and gift packaging Paper finish, back-of-print details, borders, filters, and boxes: optional ways to personalize your prints.
Choose a different paper finish, add details to the back of your photos, style prints with borders or a black-and-white filter, or include a gift box when you’re printing for someone else.
Matte vs. glossy
Glossy has a shiny surface that suits everyday snapshots and albums. Matte is less reflective, a good fit for portraits or photos you plan to display.
FreePrints defaults prints up to 8×10 to glossy. Turn on the matte prints toggle in your Shopping Cart to switch. Prints larger than 8×10 come in matte only.
Date & Location and Date & Caption
These options add information to the back of your photos, so the image on the front stays unchanged.
- Date & Location: adds the date and location (including a map pin) to the back. Useful for travel and place-tied memories. Look for the toggle in your cart when the option is available.
- Date & Caption: adds a date and a custom caption to the back of eligible prints (8×10 and smaller, excluding Retro Prints). Pick wording that works across those prints. One caption covers them, not a separate line per photo.
Colored print borders
Add a colored border around your print. Choose from 13 colors, or pick a custom color with the color wheel for a more personal look.
Black-and-white filter
Remove color when you want the focus on expression, shape, or contrast. On the Select Sizes screen, tap the crop icon, then apply the black-and-white filter. After you apply it to a second print, the app can offer to apply it to your entire order.
Gift boxes and storage boxes
If you’re giving photos as a gift, look for a gift box as an add-on in your cart when you place your print order (gift boxes aren’t sold separately). A gift box holds up to 85 prints.
For larger stacks, storage boxes that hold up to 500 prints are available in My Deals.
Gifts Find personalized photo gifts in My Deals Browse clothing, home items, and more to personalize with your photos in the FreePrints app.
My Deals is the photo gifts section of the FreePrints app. Browse gifts to personalize with your photos, from clothing and accessories to items for your home, from the app menu or while placing a photo prints order.
Where to find My Deals
Make sure you’re logged in to your FreePrints account.
- From the menu: tap the menu icon (upper left), then tap My Deals. My Deals appears in the menu only once you’ve completed your first order.
- While ordering prints: select your photos and sizes, enter your shipping address, then browse My Deals when it appears in the order flow.
Photo gifts to explore in My Deals
My Deals offers a range of photo gifts, from keepsakes for your home to clothing and accessories. Products include:
For your home
- Photo mugs
- Custom blankets
- Photo pillows and cushions
- Acrylic photo blocks
- Photo easels
- Wooden hearts
- Magnet sets
- Calendars
Clothing and accessories
- Photo T-shirts: white, black, gray, or navy.
- Custom photo socks: socks featuring your photo.
- Custom tote bags: canvas tote with your photo printed on both sides.
- Photo necklaces: heart or dog tag shape.
- Photo key chains
More photo products
- Stickers
- School Photo Bundles
Open My Deals, select an item, and follow its prompts to choose your photos and see personalization options. Assortment can change, so check the app for what’s available when you order.
