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How to Purchase an Image From World of Stock

Several ways to order Stock Photos...

Single Image Instant Download (Royalty Free Only): Use Buy Now button to save time if you just want to order the currently displayed image in one of the three sizes and download it right away. Click on the buy now button beside the size you wish to order, after pressing '...more'
Multiple Image Instant Download (Royalty Free Only): Add the images directly to your shopping cart. Any volume discounts will be applied automatically. You can change the sizes within the shopping cart if you wish.
Multiple Image Instant Download (Royalty Free Only): Use the lightbox to keep track of images you are potentially interested in prior to committing to purchase. Add the images to your Lightbox and then once you have all the images there, simply add your Lightbox to your shopping cart. Any volume discounts will be applied automatically. You can change the sizes within the shopping cart if you wish.
Rights Managed Images: In many cases, Rights Managed images can be downloaded immediately however, if not, we can normally have them available within one day for download. Use the online price calculator to determine a price for you specific use. We send you a copy of the license via email within 1-2 days of download.
  To Order Prints, click on the 'Order a Print' tab above the size and pricing info to the right of the image. You will be taken to the Prints View where you can configure the print size and finish options. More Information on print options here.

Important Notes:

Image Sizes

In addition to various media options you can also order the images in up to 4 possible sizes. This way you only pay for the image size you need for your particular application.

This demonstration shows the relative difference in image detail that is captured with each size.

image segment showing the level of detail in the SMALL size image
image segment showing the level of detail in the MEDIUM size image
The full image reduced in size for this demonstration, original size is 2052x3076 at a resolution of 300 dpi image segment showing the level of detail in the FULL size image

Image copyright ©2005 Marcelo Pinheiro / World of Stock

See the latest pricing for more details on pricing for the various sizes.

Small Small Size: Best Suited for website or light multimedia work, including PowerpointŪ presentations from 550 pixels image width or height.
Medium Medium Size: Suitable for high resolution multimedia applications such as PowerpointŪ or video presentations, or some printing applications, from 1600 image width or height, depending on orientation. For printing this size is suitable up to a range of approximately 4" X 6" (102 mm x 152 mm), or approximately one third of a letter size page.
Large Large Size: Suitable for many types of applications and medium to large sized print jobs, from 2400 pixels image width or height, depending on orientation. For printing this size is suitable up to a range of approximately 5" X 8" (127 mm x 203 mm), or approximately one half of a letter size page.
X-Large Extra Large Size: Full size (original) image with no reduction in size from original. Image will be shipped at full, original size, which is displayed beside the 'full size' icon add will be at least 3000 pixels width or height along the largest side and in some will be much larger. Size may vary greatly by image so please be sure to check the size. For print applications, the maximum printed size will vary based on the full size. The maximum printed size at 300 DPI will be shown.
New! Mega Size Option If the X-Large size is not sufficient by request we can re-size and/or re-format your image to meet your design / printing requirements. There is an additional fee for this service and you must contact us to make arrangements. Please be sure to let us know the required dimensions (inches or cm) and resolution (dpi).

 

How to Calculate Print Size:

Most printing applications and services require a minimum of 300 DPI (dot per inch), however in some applications (such as newsprint or in larger scale posters, murals, etc) this may be lower. Please check with your printer for their size and resolution requirements prior to ordering. To calculate how large an image will print to, follow this guide;

Dimension in Pixels / DPI = Size in Inches
OR
(Dimension in Pixels / DPI) * 2.54 = Size in Centimeters
OR
(Dimension in Pixels / DPI) * 25.4 = Size in Millimeters

So an image of 4200 pixels wide by 2800 pixels high printed at 300 DPI will work out to;

14 inches Wide by 9 1/3 inches High
OR
approx 35.6 cm W by 23.7 cm H
OR
approx 356 mm W by 237 mm H

Taking that same image but printing it at 100 DPI will work out to;

42 inches Wide by 28 inches High
OR
approx 106.7 cm W by 71.1 cm H
OR
approx 1067 mm W by 711 mm H

Demystifying DPI

From our experience, DPI is one of the most misunderstood terms out there. We'll try to demystify some of the more common misconceptions.

  • DPI is not a locked measurement, as shown above, it is simply a way to convert pixel size to print size and provide a level of print resolution where required. Most image manipulation software will allow you to change the DPI without changing the actual pixel content of the image.
  • The standard for print applications is typically 300 however, at times this is not necessary and may be overkill.
  • Higher DPI does not always mean a better final print. Sometimes lowering the DPI and thereby reducing the amount of interpolation (upsizing of the original image) required results in a better quality image.
  • The closer the viewer is to the image, the higher the recommended DPI. For example requesting 300 DPI on a wall mounted mural where people will view from a distance of 10 feet is pointless as the human eye cannot even pick up that level of resolution from that distance.
  • Some printer settings may force a particular DPI, even if the DPI on the file is set to a different DPI.
  • Different printing technologies may interpret DPI (and colors for that matter) in different ways.
  • Far more important than the DPI is the quality of the original images in terms of sharpness, color accuracy and noise levels.

What is Interpolation?

You may have heard this term 'interpolation'. What does it mean?

Interpolation refers to increasing the size of an image through sophisticated computer software. It means creating pixels(or dots) where pixels did not previously exist. There are many different methods for doing this however most involve looking at the surrounding pixel colors and using mathematical formulas to determine the colors of the new pixels which are created. The type of techniques used depends on the amount of upsizing required, the characteristics of the original image and the effect desired. The majority of images listed on our site have minimal or no interpolation already applied, but this can be applied after the fact to meet a specific image need, and we can assist you with this, if needed (see below).

Sizing Tips:

  • PLEASE NOTE: The file you receive will be in JPEG format (minimum compression) and as a result the actual file size will be smaller than the uncompressed file size listed. Once you receive it you can re-save the file in an uncompressed format, such as TIFF without any loss of quality. 
  • If you are submitting the image to a print service, be sure to ask them the specifications they require.
  • If you are not quite sure whether a size will work for your particular need its always best to play it safe and go for the next size up. Remember, you can always downsize but its not a good idea to try and upsize, as quality may be affected.
  • Also keep in mind that you may end up using the image in multiple applications, for example part of your website and also part of a brochure. In this case, again its advisable to order the larger size and have more options available to you later.
  • If the particular image you are looking at does not meet a particular size criteria that size will not be shown, so there's no risk of ordering a size which doesn't exist.
  • Beside the full size icon we will also tell you uncompressed size of the original file in Megabytes.
  • If you do order a smaller size and wish to upgrade later, its not a problem. Just give us a call and we can credit you back for the original purchase.

Custom or Larger Sizes

If your image requirement calls for it, we can often customize a size to meet your specifications. In many cases an image can be produced that is much larger than the full size shown with minimal quality loss. There will be a reasonable additional charge for this service. Just contact us and we'll be happy to help you meet your needs.

 

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