Red Bubble currently accepts two formats for image files: jpg and png.
So which format should be used when uploading images?
JPG Images
Jpg images are good for complex images or images with a large number of different colors. Or both. This is format you should use when uploading photographs or artwork with complex images. Jpg images can be compressed when saved. This lowers the image quality. Images should be saved with no compression if possible.
(Digital cameras can automatically apply compression when saving images.. Make sure to use the lowest compression setting on your camera when taking pictures.)
PNG Images
Png files tend to be larger than jpg images when dealing with complex images, like photographs. (Less complex images like line-art tend to be smaller when saved in png format.)
Unlike the jpg format, png allows you to save transparency information. This transparency information is necessary if you want to print something other than a rectangular or square image. Use this format if you want an image to blend seamlessly into the background.
Png images should be used on apparel and stickers, but can be used on other items as well. (They often work better on mugs or cases than jpg images.)
Png files do support multiple transparency values by using an alpha channel. This allows certain portions of the image to be fully transparent, others partially transparent and the rest opaque.
Multiple Images
Red Bubble does offer the option to use different images depending on what items is being purchased. For example, you can use one image for the majority of items but use a modified image for mugs. (I've done this. The default file is just the image. The image file for mugs includes text. The result is the image on one side of the mig and text on the other. All other items just have the image.)
When you upload an image (or edit an existing one) you will wind up on a page that shows product previews. The top of the page has a "REPLACE ALL IMAGES" button. Use this to upload a new file for all items.
Clicking on the preview image or "EDIT" button for an item will open the setting options for that item.
On the right hand side of the options there will be a "REPLACE IMAGE" button. Click this to upload an image to be used with that item.
There are times when an image needs to be modified based on what items it is used on. Red Bubble provides the option to do this.
Image Size
Red Bubble does have a maximum file size: 300MB or 13500 x 13500 pixels. The last is important when dealing with Duvet Covers. Images for King sized duvets need to be 13500 x 11462 for full coverage. This is almost maximum size.
Other products require smaller images. If an image exceeds the size needed it will be scaled down when the product is produced. This allows a single large image to be used for most items. The individual items may need to be edited so that the image is positioned properly.
Color Space
A color space is a specific organization of colors. This organization allows for reproducible results when the image is rendered, either on screen or when printed.
Images uploaded to Red Bubble should be saved using the sRGB color space. (The "s" is for standard.) This allows for the most predictable results when the image is used.
Some image editing software offer the option to automatically assign a color space to image created or edited by that software. Doing so ensures that the image uploaded always have the correct color profile.
In plain language, the color space or color profile tells the device what the colors used in the image should look like when the image is reproduced. It is then up to that device (monitor or printer) to correctly reproduce the color. Using the sRGB color space will give Red Bubble the best change to render the colors in your images correctly.
No comments:
Post a Comment