How to Put Pictures on Canvas

If you're interested in putting pictures on canvas, you should read this quick how-to guide. The concept of putting pictures on canvas is as simple as it sounds, but to get the most bang for your buck, you should follow a few simple tips so that when you do put your picture on canvas, it will look awesome! 

1. Pick a Great Pic!

Putting your picture on canvas all starts with choosing the best picture you can. High end digital cameras can take extremely high quality pictures, but be sure to check the settings on the camera to make sure that it is capturing at a high resolution. 

After years and years of testing, we've determined that files that are 150 DPI and higher produce the best pictures on canvas. To calculate DPI, simply divide your images pixel dimensions by the size of the photo on canvas you'd like. (For example, if your image is 1200 pixels wide by 1600 pixels tall, and you'd like to order a 12" by 16" picture on canvas, your DPI would be 100. Still good, but it would be better at 150!)

All the general rules for taking a good picture apply especially for pictures on canvas. After all, they will be large, up to 30" by 40", so the details count! Make sure your subject is well lit and in focus.  

2. Cropping is Key

Most picture on canvas websites require you to crop your image (you'd hope they do!). This is important, so be sure you crop wisely. However, try not to be too precise. Leave a little bit of wiggle room, because most cropping software isn't 100% exact, and even the best canvas printers cannot accurately stretch with microscopic precision! 

Of course, most printers can be very, very precise, but the best bet is to keep just a bit of extra room along the edges to ensure your crop is perfect. 

3. Treat your picture on canvas with care

After you put your pictures on canvas, you have to care for them! Most people forget that pictures on canvas are fine art, printed with the same technology and thus subject to the same care standards. 

The good news is that caring for your pictures on canvas is easy! Be sure to keep them out of direct sunlight. Even the best photos on canvas, coated with the best materials, will eventually fade in the harsh sun's rays. Also, try not to subject the picture on canvas to extreme temperature fluctuations, from 30 degrees at night to 102 in the dessert heat, for example. Finally, clean your pictures on canvas with a damp cloth when they get dirty, and avoid contact with sticky substances like tape. Good prints are all treated with special coating, which give them some degree of protection, but its important to remember that each picture on canvas is like a piece of fine art. 

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These tips should help you put your picture on canvas. Taking a good photo is absolutely key, cropping is very important, and caring for the print after you get it will keep it looking amazing for years and years. 

Did I miss something? Let me know!