Photo Printing in Nepal: Sizes, Paper Types, Sharp Prints
Quick answer: Standard photo sizes are 4 × 6 in, 5 × 7 in, 6 × 8 in and 8 × 10 in. For a sharp print use about 300 pixels per inch at the print size, choose glossy paper for vivid colour, matte for low glare and framed display, and lustre as a middle option. Send the original file from the camera or phone, not a screenshot or a social-media copy.
"Photo printing" is one of the larger service queries in the Nepal Google Trends data (27 on the relative scale), and "photo printing near me" is rising. Most people searching want to know sizes and quality. This guide answers both.
Standard photo sizes
| Size (inches) | Size (mm, approx.) | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| 4 × 6 | 102 × 152 | Standard album print |
| 5 × 7 | 127 × 178 | Small frame |
| 6 × 8 | 152 × 203 | Desk frame |
| 8 × 10 | 203 × 254 | Wall frame |
| 8 × 12 | 203 × 305 | Larger frame |
| A4 | 210 × 297 | Document-size enlargement |
| A3 | 297 × 420 | Wall print |
Sizes may be listed in inches or millimetres. A4 and A3 follow ISO 216. See the ISO paper-size reference.
Paper types
| Paper | Look | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Glossy | Shiny, saturated colour | Family prints and colourful scenes |
| Matte | No shine, soft finish | Framed art, portraits, low glare |
| Lustre (semi-gloss) | Slight texture between the two | Wedding and event prints |
| Canvas | Textured fabric surface | Wall hangings |
How many pixels do I need?
For a sharp print aim for about 300 pixels per inch at the final size.
| Print size | Pixels needed at 300 ppi |
|---|---|
| 4 × 6 in | 1,200 × 1,800 |
| 5 × 7 in | 1,500 × 2,100 |
| 8 × 10 in | 2,400 × 3,000 |
| A4 | 2,480 × 3,508 |
A modern phone photo usually has more than enough pixels for A4. A small copy saved from a chat app may not.
Preparing photos for printing
- Send the original. Do not send a screenshot, a chat-app copy or a social-media download.
- Check the crop. A 4 × 6 print has a different shape from a 5 × 7. Leave space around the subject.
- Brighten for print. Prints look darker than screens. A small brightness lift often helps.
- Use sRGB. Most photo printers expect it.
- Check the faces and text. Look at the photo at 100% for blur before you order.
Photo prints, posters and albums
- Photo prints: small to medium sizes on photo paper.
- Posters: large prints on poster paper; see flex banner sizes for wide-format.
- Photo books: bound pages; see book printing.
- Greeting cards and calendars: card stock and binding; see paper GSM guide.
Brief for a photo printing order
- Original files in a folder
- Size for each file, and quantity
- Paper: glossy, matte or lustre
- White border or borderless
- Framing or mounting needed
- Delivery date and place
Print quality checks
Look at a print in good light and check:
- Sharpness: faces and text should be crisp.
- Colour: skin tones look natural, not orange or grey.
- Contrast: shadows keep detail and highlights are not blown out.
- Borders and crop: the picture is not cut in the wrong place.
- Surface: no streaks, dust or scratches.
If one print looks wrong, tell the printer straight away and show the file and the print together.
Storing photo prints
Keep prints out of direct sun, away from damp, and in an album or a frame with a mat. Handle by the edges. Photo albums with acid-free pages protect prints better.
Framing sizes
Match the print to the frame. A print slightly larger than the frame opening needs a mat. Frames are often sold in inch sizes, so order in inches. If you want a mat, ask for a print one size smaller than the frame.
Printing from a phone
- Open the original photo in your gallery.
- Send it as a file or document so the app does not compress it.
- Include the size and quantity.
- Check the crop in the preview.
Common photo problems
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Blurry | Small file | Send the original |
| Dark | Screen brighter than print | Lift brightness slightly |
| Wrong crop | Different aspect ratio | Choose a size that matches |
| Colour cast | Mixed lighting | Correct white balance |
| Grainy | Low light | Use a lower size or reduce noise |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best paper for photos?
Glossy suits bright family photos. Matte suits portraits and frames. Lustre suits events.
Why does my print look darker than my screen?
Screens emit light. Prints reflect light. Brighten a little before printing and ask for a test print.
Can I print a photo from WhatsApp?
You can, but WhatsApp compresses images. For a large print, send the original file from your phone.
Can I print a very large photo?
Yes, if the file has enough pixels, or the viewing distance is long. Ask the printer to check.
Order prints
For photos, posters and cards, send your files and sizes to Thankyooou and see offset and commercial printing services.
Sources
- ISO paper sizes — Markus Kuhn, University of Cambridge — A4 and A3 dimensions.
- Google Trends, Nepal, "printing", exported 11 November 2026 — "photo printing" and "photo printing near me".