Sending Large Files for Book Design
Why High-Resolution Images Matter
When a client sends large files via email, it can sometimes create unexpected problems. That’s exactly what happened when my client, Raquel, sent me two illustrations for her book and asked for an estimate to tweak the artwork.
Raquel trusts me, as her designer, to give her an honest assessment of any material she sends me—and that is what I always try to provide. Although I am not a book illustrator, I can modify or repair small areas of artwork in Photoshop.
She explained that the illustrations would be used in her upcoming book and for promotional posters.
The Problem: Low-Resolution Images
When I downloaded the files, I immediately knew something was wrong.
The JPGs Raquel emailed were not suitable for book production. The images were only 72 dpi (dots per inch), and the file dimensions were just 3.15 x 4.44 inches. These files were too small to retouch or enlarge for a poster.
I asked Raquel, “Was the artwork created in Illustrator or Photoshop?”
She didn’t know.
My advice was simple: “Contact the artist and ask for the original high-resolution, layered Photoshop or Illustrator files.”
I explained that if the files were too large to email, we could use a file-sharing service such as Dropbox, Google Drive, or another large-file transfer service.
The Problem Repeats
Several hours later, Raquel forwarded another set of files.
Unfortunately, they were the same images with the same problems.
I had to explain that the files were still too small and too low resolution to use for the book or poster.
“Perhaps the artist did not understand the request,” I told her. “Each illustration should be at least 6.5 x 9.9 inches—or larger. The Photoshop files should be 300 dpi and contain separate layers. Hopefully, the artist has the original high-resolution files.”
Can You Just Resize the Images?
Raquel asked, “Is there any way that we can resize them ourselves?”
Unfortunately, the answer was no.
The problem was not the physical size of the image—it was the number of pixels available. Enlarging a small, low-resolution image does not create more detail. Instead, the artwork becomes blurry, pixelated, and unsuitable for professional printing.
Third Time’s the Charm
Finally, I realized what had happened.
Raquel’s Outlook email account was automatically shrinking the files.
I asked her to forward the illustrator’s original message with a link to his Dropbox folder. Inside the folder were the correct high-resolution files at the size we needed.
Whew!
The Bottom Line
Avoid sending high-resolution artwork through email whenever possible. Email programs may automatically compress images, reducing their quality without you realizing it.
When sending large files for a book project, use file-sharing services such as Google Drive or Dropbox. If you are comfortable with more technical options, an FTP site can also be used to transfer large files.
Providing your designer with the correct files from the beginning saves time, prevents frustration, and helps ensure your book looks professional in print.
Sending Artwork Files for Your Book? Don’t Use Email.
Email programs may automatically compress attachments, which can reduce image quality without you realizing it. Instead:
✓ Ask for the original high-resolution files
✓ Zip or compress large files before sending
✓ Use Dropbox, WeTransfer.com, Google Drive, or another file-sharing service
✓ Avoid automatic file compression
✓ Confirm images are 300 dpi and sized correctly for print
Need help preparing your book files for printing?
Professional book design requires more than a great idea—it requires the right images, file formats, and production specifications. If you’re unsure whether your artwork is print-ready, I’m happy to help.
Contact N-K Creative for a free consultation about your book project.