If your printed photos appear darker or less sharp than they did on your screen, the issue likely stems from differences between digital displays and print production. Here’s why this happens and how you can ensure the best possible print quality.
Why Do My Photos Look Different in Print?
1. Screen Brightness and Calibration
Computer and phone screens are backlit, which makes images appear brighter and more vibrant. However, printed photos rely on reflected light and may appear darker if your screen brightness was too high when editing.
🔹 Solution: Calibrate your monitor to ensure the brightness and color representation match real-world prints. Learn how to calibrate your monitor here.
2. Image Resolution and Print Size
A photo that looks sharp on your screen may not print clearly if its resolution is too low. Digital screens display images at 72–120 pixels per inch (PPI), while high-quality prints require 300 PPI or higher.
🔹 Solution: Before printing, check that your image resolution is at least 300 PPI at the intended print size. You can find this in your photo editing software.
3. Color Profile Differences
Screens use RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color modes, while printers use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). If your image wasn’t converted properly, colors might shift.
🔹 Solution: Use sRGB color profiles for best results, as our printers are optimized for this color space. Avoid excessive color enhancements that may not translate well to print.
4. Compression and Image Quality
If your photo was saved in a compressed format (such as a low-quality JPEG), details may be lost, making it appear fuzzy when printed.
🔹 Solution: Always save images in high-quality JPEG or PNG formats. Avoid excessive resizing or compression before uploading.
How to Ensure the Best Print Results
✅ Use high-resolution images (300 PPI or higher)
✅ Calibrate your monitor to adjust brightness and color
✅ Check your images in “actual size” view before printing
✅ Avoid excessive image compression
By following these steps, you can ensure your printed photos match your expectations. If you need further assistance, contact us at support@forever.com.