Choosing the Right Stock Photography File Size for Your Project

By Pamela S. Stevens

Stock photography services generally offer several file choices to their clients. Usually the small or low-resolution option will suit most web uses. However, for high exposure or large print projects, you should consider a higher resolution or file size.

General Quality and Usage Guidelines

Small Files-Low Resolution

Applicable uses include 1/8 to ? page web images, electronic or digital presentations, stationary, documents, emails, small mailers or coupons and postcards. Many stock agencies offer their comp images at this size. The 13-24 MB size will work for small print items such as in magazines, brochures and pamphlets.

Basic Quality Chart
(RGB, JPEG)

Medium Files

Good for ? to ? page web images, full-page ads, and most other uses including quality prints such as greeting cards, calendars and books.

Basic Quality Chart
(RGB, JPEG)

Large Files-High Resolution

Will work for everything, including large projects like posters and prints and full screen web images. Some smaller files can be upsized or interpolarized-ask your stock provider. This is useful for large prints such as billboards. Also, keep in mind that some images that are viewed from far away, like a billboard, may not benefit from a larger file because you won't be able to see the details anyway.

Basic Quality Chart (RGB, JPEG)

Resources

Alamy Limited, (n.d.). Choosing the right file size for your stock photos. Retrieved Dec. 06, 2005, from Alamy Stock Photography Web site: http://www.alamy.com/help/stock-photos.asp

Resources

Alamy Limited, (n.d.). Choosing the right file size for your stock photos. Retrieved Dec. 06, 2005, from Alamy Stock Photography Web site: http://www.alamy.com/help/stock-photos.asp

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