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Q: What does image resolution mean?
A: Resolution refers to the number of pixels in an image. Resolution is sometimes referred to by the width and height of the image as well as the total number of pixels in the image. For example, an image that is 1600 pixels wide and 1200 pixels high (1600×1200) contains 1,920,000 pixels (or almost 2 Megapixels).

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Q: How are resolution and file size related?
A: In general, the rule is: the higher the resolution of the picture, the greater the file size. JPEG (.jpg) compression can reduce the size of the file, but it also affects the quality of the image. Many digital cameras and photo editing programs allow you to control the amount of JPEG compression. Increasing the amount of compression reduces the file size but also reduces image quality.

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Q: What does Shutterfly mean by "not recommended" when I am ordering my pictures?
A: When you order pictures, you may get a "not recommended" message. This means that the resolution of your picture is too low for the size of print you want. We recommend comparing the resolution of your pictures to our resolution guidelines. Using these resolutions as a guide will help you print the best pictures possible.

(Please note that our recommendations are based ONLY on the overall resolution of your picture, and not on the overall quality or clarity of the original picture. We are not and cannot be responsible for the original picture being blurry or out-of-focus, even if there is sufficient resolution to be 'recommended'.)

Pictures that fall below our recommended resolution guidelines may look okay when viewed online, but will appear blurry and pixelated — that is, the image will appear blocky, with jagged rather than straight edges — when enlarged and printed.

To check the resolution of your pictures once you have transferred them to Shutterfly, go to the View page and click on the thumbnail image; you will then see a larger version of the picture, with recommended print sizes. Above these, hold your cursor over the lowercase 'i'. Among the information displayed you will find the resolution.

For large-format prints (11x14, 16x20, and 20x30), our recommendations are similar to those for an 8x10, although you may wish to help ensure the best possible print by using an image that is 3 megapixels or larger.

Our resolution recommendations are as follows:

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We also recommend that you use the least jpeg compression possible. While high resolution and low compression will increase image upload times, they will produce the best results.

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Q: If I have a digital camera, can I take photographs using any resolution setting?
A: Many digital cameras, especially those that are rated at 2+ megapixels, allow you to select from a choice of image resolutions. Shutterfly recommends that you always use the highest resolution setting that your digital camera allows if you plan to make prints. Similarly, many digital cameras also allow you to choose the amount of JPEG compression. The compression levels are frequently listed as Normal or Basic, Fine, and Superfine (or sometimes High Quality). If the camera has 2+ Megapixels, Shutterfly recommends either the Fine or Superfine setting (using the Fine setting will reduce the file size at the expense of slightly reduced image quality). If the digital camera has less than 2 Megapixels, we recommend the setting with the least amount of compression (Superfine). The specifics of setting the digital camera resolution and JPEG compression level can be found in the user manual for your digital camera.

For large-format prints (11×14, 16×20, and 20×30), it is generally safest to use an image that is 3 megapixels or larger.

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