How to choose the Right Photo for Custom Paint by Numbers?

Let the best news come first! We do image edits FREE for Custom Paint by Numbers orders. No need to go through the hassle of finding a perfect image for us.

Our expert graphic designer is here to perfectify your picture before we send them to production. Now that's pretty convenient, right?

 

Choosing the right image to get started is probably the most significant step while ordering custom paint by numbers. So how can we ensure that the photo you have selected is the best one?

Let’s take a quick peep at our image editing/correcting process here at allpaintbynumbers.com

• The Quality of the Image & the Size

Well, first things first! The image quality is one of the most crucial things in custom paint by number photo.

There is no tool that can magically change the low-quality picture into a high-quality one. Perhaps in the future, because one can hope for the best always, right?

Now, if you use a low-quality photo for custom paint by number, the end result will disappoint you.

Now on to the few technical details!

The default size of the custom paint by numbers kit is 40x50 cm or 16x20 inches. If the image has 72PPI, the image resolution should be 1152x1440px, where DPI/PPI stands for Pixels per inch and DPI for dots per inch.

If the image has 96 dpi, the resolution of the image should be 1536x1920px.

What is Pixel, DPI, and PPI?

A pixel is a single smallest part of an image. Simply speaking, if a body is made of small cells, a digital image is made of pixels.

DPI and PPI are sometimes used interchangeably and represent the density of pixels in an inch. If an image is horizontal 72dpi, that means there are 72 pixels on the x-axis of an inch in the image. You can check these details on any photograph by doing the following:

1. Right-click on the image and a dropdown list will appear.
2. Click on properties at the bottom of the list.
3. Click on details on the top menu of the window below the title bar.
4. Scroll down a bit, and all details will appear.

Digital images can have a density of 72dpi to 300dpi usually. Higher dpi means the image quality is high.

If you order a 40x50cm standard size custom PBN, we recommend that you choose a clear photo with a resolution of 800x1000 pixels.

An important technical detail to remember is that a big-sized image, such as 500x500 pixels, can be blurry.

The last thing we need is a burry image. A smaller image is inherently blurred, so it’s not recommended to choose a photo lower than 500x625px (pixels).

Once you have provided us with a clear image, your work is done. Our expert designer will take care of the rest of the stuff.

Now let’s take a look at how we make your photos ready for custom kits.

How this can be Avoided?

 For Windows:

1. First of all, find the image file on your computer.
2. Right-click on the image and select ‘Properties.’
3. Click on ‘Details.’
4. Check the width and height of the image in pixels to make sure that each dimension is more significant than 750 pixels. Anything lesser than this will cause pixelation.

For Mac:

1. Right-click on the file in “Finder.”
2. Click “Get Info”
3. Under “More Info,” you can find the dimensions (pixels) of the image.
4. Check for the image width and height in pixels to ensure each dimension is greater than 750 pixels to prevent any pixelation.

After checking this, If you find the image size is greater than 750 pixels, then you are right to move to the next tip! Otherwise, we recommend that you find a new one.

• Keeping the Background Simple

Having a background with less noise and clutter is a good idea. The reason is that when your photo converts to a PBN image, it only has 24 colors. If there is too much noise in the background, your main subject will probably lose some of its details.

Moreover, choose a photo with fewer subjects, like if you want a friend’s group picture or a family reunion photo, 4-5 people are enough for a detailed and clear PBN image.

It is recommended that the image that you choose should either have a blurred background with only a few details and colors to avoid overshadowing the subject.

• Focus on Main Subject

Your image should take up most of the space of your image. This is why it is suggested that before creating a custom kit, you should crop out all the extra background to ensure that the subject matter is the main focus of your image, taking up at least 70% of the details.

              

   

• Colors & Shading

It is important to make the right choice when it comes to vibrant and high contrast colors as they can be the deciding factors between a great paint by number kit and a mediocre one.

For instance, color contrasts are really significant. If your kit is mostly in one color, it might not turn out that well. The best kits are made with images that have distinct background color as compared to the subject matter. This will allow the subject matter to dominate rather than the background of the image itself. It is also wise to stay away from ‘white’ as it creates an optical illusion.

The thing is that the human eye and computer do not see colors in the same shades. So say if we see something as white, the software might very well see it as beige or light grey. White also lacks high contrast, which is not an ideal outcome for the best PBN image.

• The Aspect Ratio

The image used for making your kit should have the same aspect ratio as the canvas you have ordered.

What would happen if you order a 40x50cm painting and send a square-sized photo with that?

Can you fit a square painting in a rectangular frame? Same way, you can’t fit a square photo in a 40x50cm custom paint by number kit.

So, what will we do with Your Photo?

We will examine the image and see if you can crop some extra details without affecting the subject matter of the picture.

If possible, we will crop the image to match the ratio of the ordered custom painting, and the problem is solved.

   

                       

You could do that too if you wanted. Let’s show you how:

1. Right-click on the photo and a dropdown list will appear.
2. Click on “edit with photos."
3. Find and click on the “Aspect Ratio” on the right sidebar near the upper right corner of the Photos application window.
4. Select 10:8 from the dropdown list (This is the same aspect ratio as 5:4, 4:5, or 40x50cm)
5. You can rotate, flip, straighten, and change the photo's place before saving the final cropped copy of the image.

Photoshop offers the same functions, but it is s not as straightforward as photos.

• Selecting Photos with Heartfelt Memories

Choosing a photo backed with memories is a deeply personal and meaningful decision. Whether it's a snapshot of your beloved pet, a cherished moment with family, or a special occasion like a wedding or birthday, the image you select should evoke emotions and memories that are close to your heart.

When selecting a photo for your custom paint by numbers project, consider the significance of the image and the story it tells. Look for pictures that bring joy, nostalgia, or a sense of connection, as these emotions will fuel your creativity and make the painting process even more meaningful. Whether it's the loving gaze of your partner, the playful antics of your pet, or the laughter shared with friends and family, choose a photo that captures a moment you want to preserve and cherish forever.

If you keep in mind all the above tips, you are definitely ready to paint your next fantastic masterpiece! You can take our guidance to ensure that your images are optimized carefully before our custom kit is produced and sent out to you!