Photo Tips1 min read

What photo file types does the card builder accept?

The Snapshot TeamCustom trading card specialistsLast reviewed:

Quick answer

The card builder accepts JPG, PNG, and HEIC photos, so an iPhone photo uploads as it is with no conversion. If you upload a finished card design of your own rather than a photo, WebP is accepted as well. In every case, use the original full-size file from your camera roll rather than a screenshot or compressed copy.

Key takeaways

  1. Photos: JPG, PNG, or HEIC.
  2. Finished designs you upload: JPG, PNG, HEIC, or WebP.
  3. iPhone HEIC files work directly; no conversion needed.
  4. Always the original file, never a screenshot or a messaging-app copy.

Photo formats

Upload a JPG, PNG, or HEIC. HEIC is the default format on iPhones, and the builder takes it directly, converting behind the scenes where a browser cannot read it. There is nothing to export or change first.

Finished designs

If you are uploading a complete card design instead of a photo, the upload accepts JPG, PNG, HEIC, or WebP at a 5:7 ratio, ideally 1500 x 2100 pixels and at least 750 x 1050.

What matters more than the format

Any of these formats prints well if the file is the original. What hurts print quality is how a photo was handled before upload: screenshots shrink it, messaging apps compress it, and social media downloads strip it down. Go back to the camera roll or the photographer's full-resolution download.

A photo that looks sharp when you zoom in on your screen will print sharp on a 2.5" x 3.5" card.

Ready to make your own card?

Upload a photo, pick a template, and preview your custom card in about 60 seconds. Free to design.

  • Upload a photo
  • Pick a template
  • We print & ship

Questions

More questions

Can I upload an iPhone HEIC photo?

Yes. HEIC is accepted directly, along with JPG and PNG.

Can I upload a PDF?

No. Photos must be JPG, PNG, or HEIC, and finished designs JPG, PNG, HEIC, or WebP.

Does JPG or PNG print better?

Either prints well at full size. The original file matters far more than the format.

Can I use a screenshot?

It is accepted but will print soft, because screenshots are small and compressed. Use the original photo instead.