Why Do My Photo Proofs or Shopping Cart Previews Look Low Resolution?
Online previews are low-resolution thumbnails for proofing—not the full-resolution files used for your purchased digital downloads and printed photos.
The photo proofs and previews displayed in your online shopping cart are low-resolution thumbnail images for proofing and selection purposes only. They are not the full-resolution image files used to create your purchased digital downloads or printed photos.
These previews help you browse your photos, compare poses and expressions, and confirm which images you would like to order. They are not intended to show every fine detail available in the full-resolution image.
Why does my preview look blurry, pixelated, or less detailed?
A thumbnail contains less image detail than the full-resolution file. As a result, it may appear softer or more pixelated, especially when you enlarge it, zoom in, or view it at a larger size.
A soft-looking thumbnail does not, by itself, mean that your finished prints or purchased digital download will have the same appearance. The preview is a reduced-resolution version—not the file used to fulfill your order.
Will my printed photos or digital download use the thumbnail image?
No. Your printed photos and purchased digital downloads are created from the full-resolution image files, not the thumbnail previews shown in your shopping cart.
The lower resolution of an online proof does not reduce the resolution of the image file used for your purchased products.
Is saving a preview the same as downloading my purchased photo?
No. Saving a shopping cart thumbnail or taking a screenshot of a proof is not the same as downloading your purchased full-resolution image.
If your order includes a digital download, use the download link or instructions provided with your purchase to access the actual delivered file. Review that file rather than a saved preview or screenshot when checking your purchased image.
What if I am still concerned about the photo's quality?
We are happy to help you review a concern before or after you order. If something about the photo appears incorrect, or your actual purchased download or printed photo does not look right, please contact Van Gogh customer service through the Van Gogh Help Center.
Let us know whether you are viewing an online proof, a shopping cart preview, a downloaded image file, or a printed photo. Include your student's name and school, the image or product in question, and your order number if available. If you already shared those details in an existing conversation, continue that conversation.
The thumbnail explanation applies to online previews. A concern about an actual downloaded file or printed product should be reviewed separately rather than automatically attributed to preview resolution.