Photo Print Sizes, Dimensions, & Types
Learn everything you need to know about turning your favorite memories into frameable, high-quality prints.
Your camera roll is full of memories that deserve more than just a swipe-through. Whether it's your baby's first steps, your best friend's wedding, or just a really good hair day, those memories deserve a spot on your fridge, wall, or nightstand. But when it comes to printing those photos? It can be a little... confusing. What size should you choose? Matte or glossy? Full-bleed or bordered? But no sweat–you’re in the right place.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about photo prints and their sizes, dimensions, and materials—plus some super fun ways to show them off and how to create some meaningful home decor.
You already make thousands of decisions daily, no need to stress out over 47 different picture sizes. Chatbooks keeps it simple with two of the most popular photo sizes. Here’s the lowdown:
- A classic go-to for framing, gifting, and decorating
- Big enough to make a statement but still fits nicely on a fridge or bulletin board
- Ideal for milestone memories like birthdays, weddings, and family portraits
- A classic go-to for framing, gifting, and decorating
- Big enough to make a statement but still fits nicely on a fridge or bulletin board
- Ideal for milestone memories like birthdays, weddings, and family portraits
- Square prints = perfect for your Instagram favorites!
- Great for creating a modern gallery wall or memory board
- Ideal for everyday moments, pet pics, and polaroid throwback vibes
Plus, you can choose between full-bleed (no border) for that sleek, edge-to-edge look or a ¼” white border if you’re feeling a little artsy and classic.
Okay, time to talk paper. Not all photo prints are created equal—and if you’ve ever picked up a flimsy drugstore print, you know this to be true. Here’s why Chatbooks prints are in a league of their own:
- Ultra-Thick Paper: Chatbooks photo prints are 2x thicker than your average drugstore photo prints. So yeah, they feel fancy
- Fingerprint-Resistant Semi-Gloss Finish: Not too shiny, not too flat—just right. This finish makes colors pop while protecting your prints from smudges
- Vibrant, True-to-Life Colors: Because you want your sunset photo to look like an actual sunset, not a muddy orange blob
In short: If you're going to print your memories, treat them to the VIP experience they deserve.
Printing your pictures should be as easy as creating the memories—and with Chatbooks, it totally is. Here’s your how-to guide:
- Download the Chatbooks app (if you haven’t already—it’s free and user-friendly!)
- Choose "Photo Prints" from the home screen
- Select your size—5x7” or 5x5”, border or full-bleed
- Upload your photos straight from your camera roll
- Preview your prints and make any last-minute swaps
- Place your order, and boom, done!
Free standard shipping? You bet. Fast turnaround? Absolutely. Your new favorite photos arriving in the mail? YES PLEASE. It really is that simple to print your favorite pictures right from your phone. No trips to the drugstore required.
Once your prints arrive, it’s time for the fun part—showing them off! Here are some creative and fun display ideas to bring your memories to life that don’t always include a frame:
Pick a theme (family adventures, vacations, baby’s first year) and create a gallery wall that makes you smile every time you walk by. Use matching frames for a polished look or mix-and-match for a more eclectic vibe.
Keep your favorite faces front and center—literally. Grab some cute magnets and turn your fridge into a rotating display of your favorite moments.
Print a bunch of your faves to keep in a decorative basket or box. It’s like a grab bag of good memories. Perfect for coffee tables, nightstands, or even the guest room. It’s also a great idea to capture and safekeep photos from all your baby’s firsts.
Clip your prints to string or twine using mini clothespins for an adorable and easy DIY project. It’s an especially cute way to display seasonal moments or to decorate for a birthday, graduation, or anniversary party.
Remember scrapbooking? This is like her cooler, younger sister. Cut and paste your prints in a journal and add memorabilia from that memory; for example, if the photo is from a baseball game, paste the baseball tickets in your journal alongside the photo. Add stickers, doodles, and captions for a personalized touch.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to answer all your burning questions about photo prints–because you probably have some questions!
The 4x6” size used to be the industry standard—Chatbooks has elevated the experience with 5x7” and 5x5” options. They're just the right size for framing, gifting, and displaying without feeling too small.
Full-bleed prints go edge-to-edge with no white border. It’s a modern, clean look that makes your photos feel extra polished and look super clean when framed.
Glossy prints are super shiny (and super fingerprint-prone). Semi-gloss gives you rich, vibrant colors without the smudgy drawbacks. It’s the sweet spot.
Yes! Chatbooks 5x5” prints are perfect for all your square shots—especially if you're an avid Instagram poster or just love the nostalgic look of a square photo.
Oh, absolutely. When you print your photos with Chatbooks, you’re getting ultra-thick paper, stunning colors, and a semi-gloss finish that makes everything pop. Plus, they’re made to last—no blurry, flimsy drugstore prints here.
Yes! It’s the same simple process: choose your book, select your photos, review and hit print! You can easily print your photos in Classic Photo Books, whether you’re creating a keepsake of family photos, vacation pics, an anniversary album, baby books and more!
There’s no wrong answer—just the size that fits your style. Whether you’re curating a gallery wall of your baby’s first year, making a travel-themed display in the hallway, or just want to bring your favorite pics out of your phone and into your life, you’ll find the perfect photo print right here.
So go ahead—scroll through that camera roll, pick your favorite memories, and turn them into something that’ll make you smile every day. Print your photos today with Chatbooks and make your memories last forever.
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