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Why can't I upload?

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Written by Toby Holmes

We want your physical prints to look exactly like they do on your screen! To protect you from costly printing mistakes or unexpected color shifts, our system actively reviews your files during upload and will automatically reject formats that don't play well with professional print labs.

If your upload is failing, it is usually due to a File Requirement check or a Network/Browser glitch. Here is how to fix it:

1. Check Our File Requirements

To guarantee a flawless print, your files must meet the following technical standards:

  • Supported File Types: We accept JPG, TIFF, and PNG files.

  • Color Profile: Your images must be saved in the RGB color space.

  • Minimum Resolution: Images must be at least 960 x 960 pixels to be accepted for printing.

  • No Alpha Channels: We automatically reject files with transparency or alpha channels, as they cause unpredictable errors on printing presses.

  • No ProRes Formats: Video-still formats like ProRes are rejected because their color profiles do not translate accurately to physical ink and paper.

2. Common Technical & Network Issues

If your file perfectly matches the requirements above but still won't upload, one of these common culprits is usually at play:

  • Are you using darkroom.com? A few years ago, we upgraded our website from darkroom.tech to darkroom.com. While we forward the old URL, trying to upload through a cached .tech link will cause the process to fail. Please delete any old bookmarks and ensure your browser address bar strictly says darkroom.com.

  • Network Timeouts: High-quality image files are large. If you are on an unstable Wi-Fi connection, your network might time out mid-upload. Try switching to a wired connection or a more stable network.

  • Browser Extensions & VPNs: Aggressive ad-blockers, privacy extensions, or active VPNs can sometimes block our secure upload pipes. Try disabling them temporarily or uploading via an Incognito/Private browsing window.

  • Cookies & Cache: Occasionally, an old browser session gets stuck. Clearing your browser's cookies and cache or restarting your browser will usually clear the path.

Still stuck? We’ve got your back. Drop us a line at support@darkroom.tech with the file you are trying to upload, and our team will happily take a look under the hood for you!

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