A metal print makes a good photo look spectacular, but it also reveals every weakness of a poor file. Spend two minutes checking your image before ordering and the result will look exactly as you imagined, or better.
- Use the original file, not a screenshot or a photo sent through WhatsApp or social media.
- Check the pixel size against the chart below.
- Pick images with good light and clear contrast.
- Choose a size with the same ratio as your photo to avoid heavy cropping.
1. Resolution: how many pixels do you need?
Print quality is measured in pixels per inch (PPI). 300 PPI is perfect, 200 PPI is excellent for wall art, and large prints viewed from a distance still look great at 150 PPI.
| Print size | Excellent (200+ PPI) | Good minimum (150 PPI) |
|---|---|---|
| 8 x 12 in | 2400 x 1600 px | 1800 x 1200 px |
| 16 x 24 in | 4800 x 3200 px | 3600 x 2400 px |
| 20 x 30 in | 6000 x 4000 px | 4500 x 3000 px |
A 12 megapixel phone photo is about 4000 x 3000 pixels, which covers every size above at good quality. To check your file on a phone, open the photo details (the “i” icon on iPhone, “Details” on Android). On a computer, look at the file properties.
Watch out: messaging apps and social networks compress photos heavily. A photo saved from Instagram or received on WhatsApp may be only 1000 to 1600 pixels wide. Ask the person who took it for the original.
2. Light and exposure
Metal reflects light through the image, so bright and well-exposed photos look luminous. The best candidates are:
- Golden hour landscapes and sunsets
- Bright daytime travel and beach photos
- Portraits lit by a window or soft outdoor light
- Night city shots with strong lights against a dark sky
Underexposed photos, where faces or details are hidden in shadow, can look heavy on metal. A small boost in exposure and shadows in any phone editor makes a big difference.
3. Focus and sharpness
Zoom in to 100 percent on the most important part of the image, usually the eyes in a portrait. If it is soft or blurred on screen, it will be soft on the wall. Motion blur, digital zoom and photos taken through a window are the usual culprits.
4. Color and contrast
Metal makes saturated colors richer. That is fantastic for blue water, autumn leaves or a red sports car. If your photo is already heavily filtered, reduce the saturation slightly so skin tones stay natural. Black and white photos with strong contrast look striking on metal.
5. Crop and aspect ratio
Most cameras and phones in standard photo mode shoot in 3:2 or 4:3. Our sizes, 8 x 12, 16 x 24 and 20 x 30 inches, are all 2:3, so camera photos fit almost perfectly. Phone photos in 4:3 lose a thin strip at the edges. Square or panoramic images need more cropping, so check the live preview.
When cropping:
- Keep space around the subject; do not cut through heads, hands or feet.
- Use the rule of thirds: place the horizon or the subject on a third, not dead center, unless you want a formal look.
- Choose portrait orientation for people and tall subjects, landscape for scenery.
In our Create Your Art tool, you can drag the photo inside the preview to adjust the crop before ordering.
Try it with your photo
Upload a JPG, PNG or WEBP up to 20 MB and see it on metal instantly.
Photos that make the best metal prints
- Travel memories with strong color: coastlines, mountains, cityscapes.
- Family and couple portraits in soft natural light.
- Pets, close up and in focus on the eyes.
- Cars and motorbikes, where metal’s shine feels natural.
- Weddings and milestones that deserve a durable keepsake.
- Your own artwork or designs, scanned at high resolution.
Looking for a gift idea? See our personalized photo gift ideas. Not sure about the size? Our wall art size guide helps you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I print a phone photo on metal?
Yes. Recent smartphones take 12 megapixel photos or more, which is enough for sharp prints up to 20 x 30 inches when the photo is in focus and well lit. Always upload the original file, not a screenshot or a copy sent through a messaging app.
What resolution do I need for a 16 x 24 inch metal print?
Aim for about 3600 x 2400 pixels or more for excellent quality. Images from about 2400 x 1600 pixels still print well at that size because large prints are viewed from further away.
Do dark photos work on metal?
Metal favors bright, contrasted images. Very dark or underexposed photos can lose shadow detail, so brighten them slightly before uploading.
What file format should I upload?
JPG, PNG or WEBP at the highest quality available. JPG straight from the camera or phone is ideal.
