Got a photo you love and wondering if it will look sharp on the wall? This guide gives you clear, no‑nonsense rules for turning phone photos into beautiful framed prints. You’ll find the minimum recommended resolution by size, how DPI/PPI really works, quick iPhone/Android tips, and advice on when to add a mat.
1) Minimum recommended resolution per size (A4 → A1)
Use this table to choose a size with confidence.
How to read it
- Excellent ≈ 200 PPI (pixels per inch) — punchy detail for close viewing.
- Good ≈ 150 PPI — great for typical viewing distances (sofa, hallway).
- You can print larger for viewing from further away. Cropping reduces pixels — leave margin where 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 |
Example: Many iPhones shoot 4032 × 3024 px (landscape). That’s Excellent for A3, and usually Good for A2 with minimal cropping.
2) How DPI/PPI actually works
Let’s demystify the jargon.
- PPI = pixels per inch (image resolution). For printing, what matters is your pixel dimensions and the physical size you want.
- DPI = dots per inch (printer hardware). It’s not the same as PPI and doesn’t change your image detail.
The simple formula:
PPI = min(image_width_px / width_in, image_height_px / height_in)
Choose a size where PPI ≥ 150 (Good) or ≥ 200 (Excellent).
Aspect ratio matters: A‑series sizes are ~1:1.414. iPhone photos are typically 4:3 (1.33); most DSLRs are 3:2 (1.5). You may crop a little to fit A‑sizes.
Tip: For big walls viewed from 2–3 metres, even 120–149 PPI can look great. For close‑up pieces (desk frames), aim higher.
3) iPhone/Android tips (HEIC, Live Photos)
Make the most of the pixels you have.
iPhone
- Recent models save photos as HEIC (high‑efficiency). Picify accepts HEIC/JPEG/PNG — no manual conversion needed.
- To view pixel size: open Photos → image → ℹ️ (Info); you’ll see dimensions (e.g., 4032×3024).
- Live Photos: choose the Key Photo before uploading (tap Live → Key Photo). This ensures the still frame you want is printed.
- Avoid heavy zoom or extreme shadow lifts — these add noise.
Android
- In Google Photos or your Gallery app, open the image → Info/Details to see pixel dimensions.
- Many Android phones can save HEIC/HEIF or JPEG. Either is fine for Picify.
- If editing in apps, export at full size.
General
- Prefer the original file over screenshots (screenshots are often smaller).
- For night or high‑ISO images, consider black‑and‑white — it often looks cleaner in print.
4) When to add a mat (effective print area)
A mat (the white border inside the frame) gives your image breathing room and a gallery look — but it changes the visible print area.
- A 40×50 cm frame with a mat might show 30×40 cm of the image. Your file should still meet the size’s resolution guidance for that visible area.
- Mats are helpful when your photo needs a specific crop (e.g., to fit A‑sizes from 4:3 images).
- For busy walls or colourful rooms, a mat can make your photo pop by separating it from the décor.
Tip: If you’re close to the limit on resolution, a mat can help you choose a slightly smaller print inside a frame size you love
FAQs (quick)
Do I need 300 PPI?
Not for wall art. 200 PPI looks excellent; 150 PPI is routinely great at normal viewing distances.
Can you check my photo before I order?
Yes — we’ll flag borderline cases and can suggest sizes/crops.
Do you accept RAW files?
Upload JPEG/HEIC/PNG. If you have a RAW you love, export as JPEG at full size and upload.
Ready to frame your favourite photo?
- Read our Framed Photo Prints: The Complete 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.