FAQs (frequently asked questions)

1. Which file formats do you accept?
2. What is the difference between JPG and TIF formats?
3. What resolution do my files need to be?
4. If my original file is only quarter final poster size, surely the quality will be poor?
5. Do you accept scanned images?
6. Do they need to be in RGB or CMYK colour?
7. What about images created with graphics or photo editing software?
8. What if my image is just not big enough?
9. How do I add a personalised title?
10. What if I do not want a personalised title?
11. How do I upload my photo?
12. How long will it take before I get my posters?
13. What delivery options do you offer?
14. Are the posters really waterproof?
15. How do I hang the poster without piercing the laminate?
16. Will the posters fade?
17. Will the poster colours be exactly what I see on my computer screen?
18. What if I haven't got a photo I can use?

1. Which file formats do you accept?
We suggest you save as JPG files if sending online, or TIFF files if sending on CD. Please do not send RAW format or any other formats of file.

2. What is the difference between JPG and TIF formats?
JPEG files are smaller than TIF files but are ‘lossy’ which means that when they are saved, they compress the data, by throwing tiny bits of it away. When a JPEG file is uncompressed it does not always duplicate the original data exactly. It is not a good idea to keep opening and resaving JPEG files as they will gradually deteriorate. However if used as a way of initially storing and sending a file the advantages outweigh the disadvantages which is why this is the standard format used in digital cameras.

TIFF files on the other hand are ‘lossless’ meaning no data is ever thrown away. The result is that TIFF files are much larger than JPEG files but they preserve every pixel that was in the original.

3. What resolution do my files need to be?
We require files that are 300dpi at quarter of the final chosen size of poster. The table below shows most of the popular resolutions which digital cameras use, and what the final size of poster available is in each case. As most cameras save files in 72dpi we have shown what this will be when converted to 300dpi. This is not exact as camera settings and qualities vary. So it is often possible to get a better print from a quality 2 megapixel camera than from a budget 4 megapixel camera.

If in doubt take your pictures at maximum resolution and finest quality settings on your camera - you may not get the chance to take the picture again! Send your image to us and we will confirm the maximum poster size possible from your photo.

4. If my original file is only quarter final poster size, surely the quality will be poor?
As we can actually print at sizes up to 2 metres x 15 metres it is unlikely that anyone could deal with the size of files generated following the same rules as used in traditional litho print. However we have specialised in large format print for over 10 years and believe us or not your prints will be very good quality if you follow our guidelines.

5. Do you accept scanned images?
Yes, the same rules as for digital photos apply. Please scan to a minimum of 300 pixels per inch 300ppi or 300dpi.

6. Do they need to be in RGB or CMYK colour?
For our poster printing service we suggest that photos are left as RGB format which is how your camera will have saved them. We can however take either RGB or CMYK so it is not a problem either way.
Please note if you ever send work to Cypher Digital Imaging for any other printing services such as exhibition panels, business cards, greetings cards or leaflets etc we will insist on CMYK.

7. What about images created with graphics or photo editing software?
Please provide images created at at least 300 pixels per inch or 300dpi. If you have incorporated any text we suggest 400-600dpi.

8. What if my image is just not big enough?
Send us the image you have and let us know what size you would really like it printed at. We have some very advanced software available to us that can in many cases allow us to enlarge an image far more than should be possible. It does need to be at least 2 megapixels (1600 x 1200) though. We will assess your image and advise what we can do.


Title or full print?

You can personalise your poster with a printed title of up to 20 characters at no extra cost.		Or simply have your image enlarged to full poster size with no text.

9. How do I add a personalised title?
You will have an opportunity during the online order process to enter the wording you require up to a maximum of 20 characters. This will be printed under your image in stylish grey type.

10. What if I do not want a personalised title?
No problem - if you do not enter any text when requested to, we will simply enlarge your image to completely fit the poster size you have chosen. There will be no white border or any text.

11. How do I upload my photo?
At the end of the online ordering procedure, when you have submitted your order via the shopping basket and chosen a payment option, the system will generate a reciept page. At the top of this is a link to our upload page which is self explanatory. You can also CLICK HERE TO GO TO OUR FILE UPLOAD PAGE. However please do not upload your files before you have placed an order

12. How long will it take before I get my posters?
Typically your poster will be delivered within 7 to 10 working days. If you need it sooner than this or for a specific date please contact us. We may be able to offer you a 'rush' service (at extra cost) depending on our workloads.

13. What delivery options do you offer?
We give your the choice of Royal Mail Parcel service which takes 3 to 5 working days* or Carrier (either Amtrak or TNT) which is delivered next day*
*Please note delivery times are in addition to the 7-10 working days it takes to produce your poster.

14. Are the posters really waterproof?
Yes, we heat encapsulate them and edge seal the film all round as standard. So long as you do not puncture the film by sticking pins or nails through it, they can be safely used outdoors or in a damp garage (of course you wouldn't be keeping your classic car in a damp garage though would you?).

15. How do I hang the poster without piercing the laminate?
We suggest that prints are hung with clamp-on aluminium or plastic poster hanging rails which can be purchased from us. Alternatively they can be framed or put in glass clip frames as you would with any normal picture.

16. Will the posters fade?
All print fades sooner or later, this is caused by exposure to UV such as sunlight. Keeping them out of direct sunlight will prolong their life. However we use the latest fade resistant inks and you can expect them to last many years without noticeable fading. In tests the manufacturers quote up to 75 years.

17. Will the poster colours be exactly what I see on my computer screen?
No.. The image you see on your screen is made up of RGB colours and your screen is in effect a big lightbulb so what you see is called additive colour. As paper cannot be lit up, the ink colours do not have the benefit of light enhancing them and making them brighter, this is commonly called subtractive colour. We calibrate our printers so we get the best colour range possible. Many cameras also tend to show a colour cast ie slightly yellow, or blue for instance. If this is very obvious we will adjust your image before printing.

18. What if I haven't got a photo I can use?
We have a selection of images in our TVR gallery you can choose from at no extra cost. Alternatively check out www.nufsaidphotography.co.uk who attend most TVR events and may have taken a picture of YOUR TVR that you can buy from them for us to enlarge to poster size for you.