Why are my Snapfish pictures blurry?

Answered by Randy McIntyre

When it comes to printing photos on Snapfish, it’s important to ensure that the image resolution is high enough to meet their standards. If the resolution is too low for the size of the photo space you are adding the image to, Snapfish will warn you that the printed image may appear blurry or pixelated. This is because low-resolution images do not contain enough detail to be printed at larger sizes without losing quality.

To understand why this happens, let me give you a brief explanation of image resolution. Resolution refers to the number of pixels (dots) in an image and is typically measured in pixels per inch (PPI) or dots per inch (DPI). The higher the resolution, the more detail and sharpness the image will have when printed.

When you upload a photo to Snapfish, they analyze the resolution of the image and compare it to the size you want to print. If the resolution is too low, they will warn you about the potential blurriness or pixelation. This warning is meant to inform you that the image may not print with the desired clarity and sharpness.

In practical terms, let’s say you want to print a large photo, like a poster or canvas, which requires a higher resolution to maintain quality. If you upload a low-resolution image, it may look fine on your computer screen because screens have a lower pixel density compared to print. However, when the image is enlarged for printing, those limited pixels are stretched, resulting in a loss of detail and a blurry or pixelated appearance.

To avoid this, it’s recommended to use high-resolution images for larger print sizes. Snapfish provides guidelines on their website regarding the minimum resolution required for different print sizes. It’s a good idea to check these guidelines before uploading your photos to ensure they meet the necessary requirements.

In my personal experience, I once tried to print a photo as a large canvas without checking the resolution beforehand. The result was a disappointment, as the image appeared fuzzy and lacked the sharpness I expected. Since then, I’ve learned to always double-check the resolution and choose images with higher pixel counts for larger prints.

If your Snapfish pictures appear blurry or pixelated, it’s likely because the image resolution is too low for the size you are printing. To ensure clear and sharp prints, make sure to use high-resolution images that meet Snapfish’s guidelines for the desired print size.