Image resolution refers to the size of your photos in terms of pixel dimensions. For example, a camera that produces images that are 2,000 x 3,000 pixels will result in image sizes of 6,000,000 pixels, or 6 megapixels. The more megapixels a photo has, the more detail it has. Photos with low image resolution can often appear jagged or 'pixilated'.
It is recommended that you upload your photos at the full image resolution in which the photograph was taken. Zenfolio will resize your photos dynamically to make them fit on the computer screens of your visitors while preserving full quality.
Zenfolio does not display your original photos on your photo pages but uses the highest quality resizing algorithms to generate display images, and apply a small amount of additional sharpening in order to compensate for the loss in contrast when reducing size. The resulting images contain all the fidelity of your original photograph, giving you access to a number of smaller size display images for online presentation.
Low-resolution vs. High-resolution files
The choice between uploading high-resolution vs. low-resolution files really depends on what you primarily use your Zenfolio account for.
It is generally recommended that you upload your photos at the full image resolution in which the photograph was taken. Zenfolio will resize your photos dynamically to make them fit on the computer screens of your visitors while preserving full quality. Zenfolio uses the highest quality resizing algorithms to generate display images, and apply a small amount of additional sharpening in order to compensate for the loss in contrast when reducing size. The resulting images contain all the fidelity of your original photograph, giving you access to a number of smaller size display images for online presentation.
Online Presentation Only:
If you use your Zenfolio pages only to display your photos online and don't plan on printing, selling, or backing-up original files, there is no need to upload high-resolution photos. We recommend you upload digital files resized to 1,100 pixels in width by 850 pixels in height. This is the default image size for online viewing. The largest allowed image size for online viewing is 1,550 pixels in width by 960 pixels in height. You may apply this size as default or to a specific gallery using access controls. Using either of these sizes will more efficiently utilize your storage space and reduce the time it takes to upload files without compromising quality.
Presentation and Printing:
You have two options if you plan on using your account for presentation and online print ordering.
You can upload low-resolution files only for presentation and when an order for a photoproduct is placed, then upload a replacement high-resolution file before the order goes to the vendor. This is useful if you have a large number of photos to upload but expect to print only a few of them.
Please see the Help section on replacing files during Order Approval
Alternatively, you can choose to upload from the beginning high-resolution files that are optimized for printing. To safeguard your images, you always have the option to limit the display size of your photos as you see fit.