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Downloading Hi-Res Photos: Step-by-Step
Overview
Downloading Hi-Res Photos: Step-by-Step
Common Question about Hi-Res Photos
 
Overview
About High-Resolution Photos
When you view your photos on the Snapfish website, you see the low-resolution versions. These load more quickly, making viewing faster and more convenient.

When you buy and download the high-resolution (hi-res) versions of your photos, you'll get high-quality digital picture files you can use in a variety of ways. Print them out on your own printer, create wallpaper for your PC, or enhance your photos using your favorite photo software.

You can pick individual photos from different albums, order them together, and download them to your computer in minutes.

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Downloading Hi-Res Photos: Step-by-Step

step 1: select photos to download

To get started: Click on the 'photos' tab. From your photo library, an album, or an individual photo, click on 'Get hi-res photos' and then 'Download photos' in the photo toolbar on the right side of the page. No matter where you start, you'll be able to add photos from multiple albums to your order.

From your photo library, start here:

  • Select the album containing the photos you want to download. Then click on the 'open album' button.
From an album, start here:
  • Click each photo you want. You can order up to 50 photos at a time. The running total number of photos in your order appears in the upper and lower right (if your browser supports dhtml).
  • When you've selected all the photos you want from this album, click on the 'add photos' button.
From an individual photo, start here:
  • If you want to add photos from other albums to this order, click on the 'add more photos' link and repeat the instructions above.
  • To remove a photo, click on the 'remove' link below it.
  • To add photos from other albums to your order, click on the 'add more photos' link.
  • When you've selected all the photos you want to download, click on the 'check out' button near the bottom of the page. You'll still have a chance to review your order before buying.
Step 2: enter your billing info
  • If you've placed an order with us before, your credit card information will be displayed on the 'bill to' page. You can edit this information if necessary.
  • Or, if this is your first time placing an order with us, you'll need to enter your credit card information and your postal code. Because you download your photos directly to your computer, we don't need a delivery address.
  • When your billing info is complete, click on the yellow 'continue' button. You'll have a chance to review your order before buying.
Note: Any changes you make to your billing information will be saved in your account.

step 3: place your order

  • Verify that your credit card info is correct as shown. If you need to make changes, click on the link to 'edit billing info'.
  • Also check that the order summary in the lower right shows the correct number of photos. If you need to make any changes, click on the link to 'edit order'.
  • When everything looks right, click on the 'buy now' button.
At this point, we'll put your photos into a single .zip file for you to download. This may take a moment as we create the file. Please do not close your browser or go to another site.

step 4: download the zipped file

When you receive confirmation of your order, you can download the file and unzip it on your own computer.

  • Print or save the receipt page for your records. We'll also send a confirmation of your order via email.
  • Click on the yellow 'download now' button. It will take a few minutes for you to receive the file, depending upon how many photos are in your order and the speed of your Internet connection.
  • Your browser may present the option of choosing where to save the file on your computer. Please note this file location for ease in finding it later.
  • Your order is available for download for 30 days. If you leave the 'download and receipt' page without downloading your photos, just click on the link in your confirmation email message any time within the 30-day period. The link will take you back to this page.
Tip: If your browser doesn't open the .zip file automatically, you can use WinZip for Windows or StuffIt Expander for Macintosh. There are also links to both of these free software programs on the 'download and receipt' page.

Once you've downloaded your hi-res photos and unzipped the file on your computer, you can view them, edit them, and print them, using your own software and printer.

Note: You must download your photos within 30 days, or your order will expire. If this happens, please contact customer service.

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Common Questions about Hi-Res Photos
What does resolution mean?
The resolution of a photo refers to its sharpness or clarity. When photos are saved electronically, they are converted to pixels (picture elements), which are the smallest squares of visual information a computer can use. The greater the number of pixels, the higher the resolution. High-resolution pictures are larger on screen and look better when printed.

How are hi-res photos different from those I see on the Snapfish website?
You see low-resolution versions of your photos on our website. These load more quickly for more convenient viewing. The hi-res photos are much larger, contain more detail, and are suitable for making reprints using your own photo-quality printer.

What should I do if I want to download more than 50 hi-res photos?
You will need to place a new order for every 50 photos.

How long will the photos take to download?
Approximate times for 500k photos:
56k modem - 5 photos take 8-10 minutes
DSL/Cable Modem: 5 photos would take 2-3 minutes

The following chart shows how long it would take a single photo to download at different Internet connection speeds.

File Size 14.4Kbs 28.8Kbs 56Kbs DSL/Cable
500 Kb 8 minutes 4 minutes 2 minutes 30 sec - 1 min.
1 MB 16 minutes 8 minutes 4 minutes 1 - 2 min.

How do I find the photos on my computer after I have downloaded them?
Use your computer's search feature to find files with names that begin "Photos_hires".

How do I open the .zip file that I've downloaded?
If your browser doesn't open the file automatically, you use either WinZip for Windows or StuffIt Expander for the Macintosh. There are links to download these free software utilities on the 'Download and Receipt' page.

What file type are these photos?
They are JPEGs, a file format commonly used for digital photos and Web graphics. The file names end with .jpg.

How are the photos I download named?
The first 28 characters of each photo's caption are used to create the name. You can rename your photos after you've downloaded them.

How can I view a hi-res photo after I've downloaded it?
You can open the photo with photo-editing software or with your Web browser. Please note that these photos are much larger that the versions you see on the Snapfish website, so they may appear larger than your browser window.

Can I save a partial order and return to it later?
No. We can't save partial hi-res photo orders. If you leave an order in the middle of the process, it will be cancelled and you'll have to start again.

Is it possible to increase the resolution of a digital photo?
No. You can always decrease the resolution (if you want to make the picture smaller, for example), but you can't add more detail to a photo. Photo-editing software can often improve the appearance of a photo without increasing the resolution. Try increasing the sharpness and adjusting the contrast.

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Still have questions?
If you still need help, please browse the rest of the Snapfish Help section or check out our Customer Service page for the best way to contact our Customer Service team.


   
 
 
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