image formats
Best image format for printing photos at home or a print shop
JPG quality 90+ works best for color photos, PNG for line art. Here's how to convert HEIC, pick resolution, and avoid rejections at print shops.
TL;DR
- JPG at quality 90 or higher is the best image format for printing photos with smooth color gradients.
- PNG is better for screenshots, text, and line art where sharp edges matter.
- HEIC files from iPhones are rarely accepted by print shops and need conversion first.
- Resolution matters more than format: aim for 300 DPI at your target print size.
- TinyPixel's free tools handle HEIC to JPG conversion and resizing in your browser.
7 min read