How to Upload Photos for Custom Framing: Step-by-Step Guide

Uploading a photo to Smallwoods for custom framing takes under two minutes. The designer app accepts JPG, PNG, HEIC, TIFF, PSD, DNG, PDF, and WebP files — including phone photos and professional RAW files. Once uploaded, you select your size and frame color, add optional text, and order. Production begins immediately and ships in 1–3 business days.

Step 1: Choose Your Product and Open the Designer

Every Smallwoods custom product opens in the designer app at smallwoodhome.com/pages/app. You can reach it from any product page or directly via these links:

• Frames (CWFS) — the most popular starting point
• Acrylic Frames
• Framed Canvas
• Wrapped Canvas
• Hanging Canvas

Step 2: Upload Your Photo

Once the designer loads, you'll see a frame with an "Add Photo" placeholder in the center. To upload:

1. Tap or click "Upload Photos" — the large teal button at the bottom of the screen.
2. Alternatively, click the "Add" button in the quick-edit toolbar, then select "Photos".
3. A file picker opens. Navigate to your photo and select it.

Accepted File Formats

Smallwoods's designer accepts all of the following:

• JPG / JPEG — Standard phone and camera photos
• PNG — Transparent-background images, screenshots
• HEIC — iPhone default format (no conversion needed)
• TIFF — High-quality professional format
• PSD — Adobe Photoshop files
• DNG — Digital Negative RAW format (professional cameras)
• PDF — Document format (useful for designed artwork)
• WebP — Modern web image format

Step 3: Customize Your Print

After your photo appears in the designer, use the toolbar to customize:

Size Selection

Below or beside the preview, select your size. All 10 sizes are shown as thumbnail icons with price displayed for each. Available sizes on Frames:

• 8×10, 10×12, 12×16, 13×13, 16×16, 25×17, 20×30, 25×25, 24×36, 44×22

Frame Color Selection

Four color swatches appear for Frames and Acrylic Frames:

• Stained — Dark walnut/espresso wood grain (selected by default)
• Almond — Light cream wood grain
• Black — Black finish
• White — White vinyl wrap for a clean modern edge

Orientation Toggle

Click the "Frame" button in the toolbar to switch between portrait and landscape orientation. This rotates the frame (not just the photo) and adjusts the aspect ratio of the canvas.

Photo Rotation

Click the "Art" button to rotate your uploaded photo within the frame — useful if your phone photo uploaded sideways or if you want to try a different crop angle.

Step 4: Add Text Overlay (Optional)

Smallwoods's designer supports text overlays directly on the print:

1. Click the "Add" button in the toolbar.
2. Select "Text" from the submenu.
3. A text layer appears on the canvas. Type your text — names, dates, quotes, song lyrics, locations.
4. Select from 40+ font options including Playfair Display, Dancing Script, Montserrat, Roboto, Lobster, and more.
5. Drag the text to position it on the print.

Step 5: Preview and Order

The designer shows a real-time preview of exactly how your print will look. Once you're satisfied:

1. Verify your size, frame color, and photo position in the preview.
2. Check the three price tiers shown: Full Price (crossed out), Sale Price (current), and Bundle Price (multi-unit discount).
3. Click "Upload Photos" / "Add to Cart" to proceed to checkout.

Production begins immediately after you order. All custom prints are handcrafted in Longview, Texas and ship in 1–3 business days.

Tips for Best Photo Quality

• Use the original photo file. Screenshots of photos lose resolution. Always upload the original from your camera roll or folder.
• Higher resolution = sharper print. A 12-megapixel phone camera photo (modern iPhone or Android) is more than sufficient for most sizes. For a 44×22 Extra Large, use the highest resolution original you have.
• Don't use heavily compressed social media downloads. Facebook and Instagram compress photos. Download the original from your camera app instead.
• HEIC works natively. If you have an iPhone, you don't need to convert HEIC files to JPG — the Smallwoods designer accepts HEIC directly.
• Professional photos (PSD, DNG, TIFF) are fully supported. Photographers can upload studio or RAW files without any conversion step.
• Not sure about image quality? Smallwoods's support team will review your image for free before you order — send it to support@smallwoodhome.com with your intended size.

Phone Upload Workflow

On mobile (iPhone or Android), the workflow is identical — the designer is mobile-optimized:

1. Open smallwoodhome.com/pages/app in your phone browser.
2. Tap "Upload Photos."
3. Your phone's native file picker or camera roll opens. Select your photo.
4. Customize size, frame color, and optional text.
5. Add to cart and check out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What photo formats does Smallwoods accept?

A: JPG, PNG, HEIC, TIFF, PSD, DNG, PDF, and WebP. iPhone HEIC files work natively — no conversion needed.

Q: How do I upload a photo for a custom frame?

A: Go to smallwoodhome.com/pages/app, click "Upload Photos," and select your file. Choose size and frame color, then add to cart.

Q: Can I upload an iPhone photo without converting it?

A: Yes — HEIC files are accepted directly. No JPG conversion required.

Q: Can I add text to my print?

A: Yes. Click "Add" → "Text" in the designer toolbar. Over 40 fonts available including script and display styles.

Q: What resolution do I need for a large print?

A: A 12-megapixel smartphone photo works for most sizes. For very large prints, use your highest-res original. Smallwoods will review images for free on request.