Step-by-step large photo printing tutorial (for a crazy good price!)

Well thank you so much for the kind comments on my latest DIY project! We love it too!! 

I asked if you wanted to hear more about these inexpensive prints and many of you said YES, so here we go! I've seen this done for a year or so now, but haven't had a reason to use it just yet. This is an incredibly inexpensive way to get large photos printed, but there are a few things to consider: 
Wood wall with large photos

First up, they used to be called engineer prints, and I couldn't find that on the Staples site anywhere. I finally came across them but they are called blueprints now -- so keep that in mind. 

Here's a link to the page where you need to start:
How to print large inexpensive photos

Go down the page and you'll see the sizes and prices for each. I did the two by three foot size but they offer a smaller and larger option as well. I'm trying to think where I could put the three by four!: 

How to print engineer prints step by step

Pick the size you want and click "design now."

When you get to this page, click black and white:

Staples engineer prints tutorial


The color is more expensive (but still a great price), but I hear it can't be a full color photo. It needs to have plenty of white space to work -- but correct me if any of you have used it and been successful!

By the way, as you see, it says not suitable for photos, but they turn out just fine. 

Click "add files" on the next page and download your photos. You can download a bunch at once. I just showed one for this tutorial:
How to print large photos for less

After you upload, check on a few things:
How to print large engineer prints for less Staples

  • Name your job
  • Click the Media/blueprints option and make sure the right size is selected
  • Choose your orientation -- it loads them at landscape so I changed it to portrait
When you're ready to go, click "add to cart" and checkout:
How to print large photos for less Staples

You pick your store location and the order goes directly to them. Mine were printed and ready in a couple hours! And I got three huge black and white prints for less than $11!

It really is a fantastic service. I have heard rumblings that they may discontinue printing photos, but my store approved it no problem. 

These are printed on thin paper -- about the weight of printer paper, probably less. So be gentle with them because they'll fold up easily while you work with them. 

I was surprised by the quality! They turned out even better than I thought they would:
inexpensive engineer prints how to

Have any of you tried this easy trick? Let me know if you've tried the color option! This is such a great, simple service and I was incredibly pleased with the whole process. 

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