Whether it’s a first day of school, a weekend surf, or the trip you still talk about, the photos that matter deserve more than a camera roll. This guide shows you exactly how to turn your favourite phone shots into premium, archival framed photo prints — and why choosing quality materials pays off.
1) Why framed prints (not canvas)
Framed photo prints look clean, modern and enduring — especially for phone photography.
- Sharper detail & colour: Fine art papers + pigment inks preserve the look of your original photo; canvas texture can soften detail and shift colour.
- Timeless design: Frames in oak, black or white work with most interiors and won’t date quickly.
- Protection: Glazing shields your print from dust, fingers and UV.
- Easy to mix & scale: Create gallery walls, pairs or single hero pieces without clashing textures.
Thinking canvas? See our deep‑dive: Canvas vs Framed Photo Prints (coming soon).
2) Paper, inks & archival quality
Great frames start with a great print.
- Paper: We use premium, acid‑free fine art papers with a subtle texture that flatters portraits and landscapes alike.
- Inks: Pigment‑based inks deliver rich colour, smooth black‑and‑white tones and excellent fade resistance.
- Archival build: Acid‑free backings and conservation materials help your print last for years when displayed out of direct sunlight.
- Colour care: We print with professional colour‑managed workflows (the same approach galleries expect) so your moments look the way you remember them.
Tip: If your photo was shot in low light, black‑and‑white can look stunning and minimise noise.
3) Frame colours & finishes (oak/black/white)
Picking a frame is easier than you think:
- Oak: Natural, warm and versatile. Perfect for family photos, beach days and travel.
- Black: Crisp and contemporary. Ideal for monochrome, cityscapes and high‑contrast shots.
- White: Light and airy. Great for coastal homes and clean, minimal spaces.
How to choose:
- Match the mood: warm scenes → oak; graphic/architectural → black; bright/minimal → white.
- Consider wall colour: contrast slightly so the frame doesn’t disappear.
- Keep a theme in a gallery wall (all oak), or mix two finishes for a collected look.
4) Acrylic vs glass (UV protection)
Both protect your print; the right choice depends on size, room and who’s around.
Acrylic (premium option)
- Lighter & safer for larger sizes and kids’ rooms.
- Excellent clarity.
- Optional UV‑filtering grades help reduce fade from light exposure.
Glass (classic option)
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Weighty, traditional feel on small to medium sizes.
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Choose low‑glare glass if your room has strong side‑light.
Not sure? For A2 and above, we generally recommend acrylic for safety and weight.
5) Size guide & resolution table
Your phone is more capable than you think. Use the table below to check if your image has enough pixels for the size you want.
How to read this:
- Excellent = ~200 PPI; Good = ~150 PPI at the chosen size.
- You can print bigger for viewing at a distance (hallways, staircases).
- Cropping reduces available pixels — leave some margin when you can.
| Print size | Excellent (≈200 PPI) | Good (≈150 PPI) |
|---|---|---|
| A4 (210×297 mm) | 1654 × 2339 px | 1240 × 1754 px |
| A3 (297×420 mm) | 2339 × 3307 px | 1754 × 2480 px |
| A2 (420×594 mm) | 3307 × 4677 px | 2480 × 3508 px |
| A1 (594×841 mm) | 4677 × 6622 px | 3508 × 4967 px |
| 12×12 in (square) | 2400 × 2400 px | 1800 × 1800 px |
| 16×20 in | 3200 × 4000 px | 2400 × 3000 px |
| 24×36 in | 4800 × 7200 px | 3600 × 5400 px |
Tip: iPhone 13/14/15 photos are typically 4032×3024 px (landscape). That’s Excellent for A3, and Good for A2 with minimal cropping.
6) How Picify works (phone → frame → wall)
Step 1 — Upload
Choose your photo straight from your camera roll. Our uploader supports JPEG/PNG/HEIC and gives you an instant crop/preview.
Step 2 — Configure
Pick your size, oak/black/white frame, and your preferred glazing (acrylic or glass). You’ll see price updates instantly.
Step 3 — We print & frame
Your order is made to spec in Sydney using gallery‑grade materials and careful packaging.
Step 4 — Hang & enjoy
Unbox, hang, and share your wall reveal. (We love seeing these — tag us!)
Start here
7) FAQs
Will my iPhone photo print well at A2?
Often yes. A recent iPhone’s 12MP file (4032×3024 px) is Good for A2. Avoid heavy crops and low‑light noise; our team can advise before printing.
Do you use glass or acrylic?
Both are available. We recommend acrylic for larger sizes or kids’ rooms (lighter, safer). See the Acrylic vs Glass section above
Do you add mats?
We can design with or without a mat. A mat creates visual breathing room and can help with images that need a specific crop.
How long does it take?
Because each frame is made to order in Sydney, most orders arrive within 7–10 business days. You’ll receive tracking details as soon as your order ships.
Can I print a black‑and‑white from a colour photo?
Absolutely. Black‑and‑white can look fantastic, especially for low‑light shots and portraits.
Check out our full list of FAQs
Ready to frame your favourite photo?
- Check image fit in the Phone‑to‑Print Size & Resolution Guide
- Be inspired by our Gallery Wall Ideas Guide
- Or start framing now in minutes: Framed Prints
- Check out our full list of FAQs
Picify is a Sydney‑based studio backed by Emergent Designs, the print & frame partner trusted by leading galleries and artists. That’s how we bring gallery‑grade to everyday moments.