Choosing between 4×6 and 5×7 prints is not just a matter of paper size. The aspect ratio changes how much of the original frame remains visible, especially in portraits and group photos.
Understand the shape difference
A 4×6 print has a 3:2 aspect ratio, while a 5×7 print is closer to 7:5. Most cameras shoot in 3:2, so a photo that fits a 4×6 print exactly must lose a slice of its long edge (roughly 7 percent) to fill a 5×7 print. Because these proportions differ, one crop cannot always fill both sizes without trimming or adding borders. Check the preview rather than relying on an automatic crop.
Protect important details while cropping
Keep faces, hands, product edges and other essential details away from the crop boundary. For group portraits, make sure no one is clipped at the edge. For product photos, leave enough breathing room to preserve the intended composition and avoid making the object appear cramped.
Export a separate version when needed
- Create a dedicated crop for each print ratio.
- Use a high-resolution original whenever possible.
- Avoid enlarging a small file beyond its useful detail.
- Review the print preview before ordering.
When a single photo will be printed in several sizes, save separate crop versions so each output is intentional.
Related reading
Continue with our guide to image resolution, PPI and DPI explained to check you have enough pixels for either size. For more on image size and resolution, see Adobe’s guide to image size and resolution. For help with product-ready images, explore our product image editing services.
Frequently asked questions
Which is larger, 4×6 or 5×7?
A 5×7 print is larger, and it is also a little squarer, which is why it crops differently from a 4×6.
Why are there white borders on my print?
The printer may have fitted the whole photo inside the paper instead of cropping it. Choose fill or crop in the order settings if you prefer no borders.
Can I crop one photo for both sizes?
Only by leaving some extra space around the subject. A safer approach is to export one crop per size.
