FAQ
We've collected some frequently asked questions to hopefully answer or provide more information you might be looking for regarding what we do, how we do it or just photo mosaics in general. If you can't find the answer you're looking for please contact us and we'll be more than happy to answer any question you have.
Our Service:
What Is a photo mosaic?
A photo-mosaic is an image that is created from a collection of smaller images that are selected and arranged so that when viewed from a distance resemble the original image the mosiac was created from.
What software do you use to create your mosaic and collage images?
We use our own developed software for all of our mosaics and collages called FusionMosaic. If you are interested and would rather create the mosaic or collage yourself we are looking at the possibility to license the software in the near future, please get in touch for more information.
What is the difference between the service you provide and other online DIY mosaic & collage creation services?
At MyPhotoFusion we offer a custom design service where we're able to use our expertise and custom software to create a beautiful mosaic or collage in a range of designs that are not available using alternative services. We can also ensure you're getting something that works and you're not just restricted with whatever comes out of automated software or leaves the editing/customisation down to you. We also offer a much larger selection of styles, prints, framing and wall products to showcase your images.
How small a mosaic can you make?
With photo-mosaics it can be harder to create a small mosaic than a large one as you have a limit on how small you can go with each tile image. For a small A4 or even A5 mosaic the number of tiles you have to play with is very small. When you have a very low tile count in the mosaic the detail match to the original image needs to be very good indeed and it's often for this type of mosaic you'll require a tile library of 10k to 20k tiles. It's all a balance and you want to get the right number of tiles & tile size for the mosaic design & overall scale. We wouldn't recommend going smaller than 18"x14" with standard tile library size and a good tile size in the final mosaic.
If I’m not happy with my mosaic or collage can I get a refund?
Yes, it's possible to get a refund if you are unhappy with the mosaic or collage images we provide for any reason. We really hope this will not be the case and we will work with you to try and come up with a design/image you are happy with. Once you have approved a design though it is no longer possible to get a refund. The reason for this is because all our printing & framing services are bespoke and hand made to order, we can not give refunds on these items once order is approved and production started. This is also the same for digital files send out. Please see our Refunds & Returns Policy for more details.
Creating A Mosaic or Collage:
Do I need to download or install anything to use My Photo Fusion?
No, everything is handled through our website for ordering and uploading the images. The software to create the mosaic or collage is all done on our side.
Can I use the MyPhotoFusion website on my phone?
Yes, our website should be mobile friendly but it is recommend to use a desktop browser for ease of use when uploading the images.
How do I provide my images to you?
4 options:
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Via our website - There is a dedicated upload page where you can send your images to us via our website.
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Cloud Storage – Put all of the images you wish to use in a cloud storage folder (e.g. iCloud, google, Dropbox) and then just share the folder with us using our email address images@MyPhotoFusion.com
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WeTransfer - We can also except files with services like WeTransfer.
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USB Stick – You could download all of your images onto a USB stick and post it to us if this is easier. Please be aware that we will be unable to return this. If you wish to opt for this then please contact us via images@MyPhotoFusion.com
What image formats do you support?
You can provide images in a number of formats these are normally jpeg (jpg) or png format.
What resolution do the photos need to have?
For the tile image collection they don't need to be super high resolution and this will also just slow down your upload. Anything over 800 pixels wide is normally enough to cover the average tile size.
How many images do I need for a photo mosaic?
This is dependent on a number of factors like the size of the mosaic, the details you're trying to capture within the mosaic, the viewing distance etc. Ideally you don't want to go too small in tile size or you can't make out the detail in the tile images once you get up close. On average the tile count required on a mosaic could be around 1200 to 2000. So if you have a tile library of around 500 images you would need to have some duplication happening and not all tiles provided could be a good fit for the main image selected. Ideally you do need to have a library of around 350 to 500+ images but something between 1k to 2k can help produce a better looking mosaic image but feel free to talk to us about what will work best for you image.
How many images do I need for a photo collage?
This is dependent on the size of the mosaic and the size of the overall collage. On average the tile count required on a collage could be around 200. Although if you have less than this then some of the images could be duplicated if needed.
What image content works best for the main image of the photo mosaic?
The most common would be a portrait, so the face is filling the frame maybe from the shoulders up. This gives the face enough coverage to allow enough tiles to be used to capture the details required to create the face in detail. As you go larger on the mosaic size you can start to have more half body framing or add in multiple people as you'll have more tiles available to capture this extra detail. Normally group shots and full body images are only successful on very large mosaic with very high tile counts.
Can I use black and white photos or do they have to be in colour?
Yes, it is possible to use colour, black & white photos or both – the decision is totally yours. If you do what to use just black and white photos it is a simple process for us to amend all your photos to black & white on our side. Should you wish to do this then please just add a comment under the “notes” section on the order form.
Will all of the uploaded pictures be used in the mosaic?
No, not all tiles provided may be a good fit for the main image selected, so our software will not factor those in as tiles in the mosaic. Should you require all images to be used this can be done on our end but just to highlight this could detract from the overall quality/clarity of the mosaic. Should you wish to do this then please just add a comment under the “notes” section on the order form.
Can a logo be printed as a mosaic?
Yes, any image can be used for a mosaic but some images lend themselves more to this medium. We are happy to discuss in more detail. Please feel free to email us about this.
How long do you keep images?
Once you have approved you mosaic or collage we'll remove your images within 14 days. We'll try and hold the final design we produce longer in case we need to provide a copy. If you prefer we're happy to also remove this image but it will not be possible to request a copy at a later date. Please email us if you would like us to remove your final image at the same time as your images.
What happens to my images after you’ve created the mosaic or collage?
Once we have completed your mosaic or collage image all of your images will be removed from our system within 14 days. We'll try and hold the final design we produce longer in case we need to provide a copy. If you prefer we're happy to also remove this image but it will not be possible to request a copy at a later date. Please email us if you would like us to remove your final image at the same time as your images.
What happens to my images after you’ve created the mosaic or collage?
Once we have completed your mosaic or collage image all of your images will be removed from our system within 14 days. We'll try and hold the final design we produce longer in case we need to provide a copy. If you prefer we're happy to also remove this image but it will not be possible to request a copy at a later date. Please email us if you would like us to remove your final image at the same time as your images.
Is there a limit as to how many photos can be uploaded at one time?
In theory no, but it recommended that you upload these in bundles of up to 500 photos at a time. As depending on the size of the image you may be looking to upload a very large amount of data.
Can I use scanned photos?
Yes, as long as they are in the appropriate file format described above and you have permissions/rights to use the images.
Do all my photos need to be the same size - what if they need adjusting?
Mosaics we generate are normally in standard aspect ratios like landscape & portrait: 4:3, 5:3, 3:2 & square 1:1 but the images you provide can be any size & aspect ratio and our software will automatically crop the images so they are all matching the selected size & ratio for the mosaic.
Ordering & My Orders:
Do all of your printed wall products come ready to hang?
Yes, all of our wall products come ready to hang: frames, canvas wraps, canvas tray frames & Alumini metal prints. All come with mountings or fixings to directly hang on your wall as soon as you get them.
I’m not sure if I want framing / printing at this point, can I order and add on the print and framing later?
Yes, this is possible as the items are all individually placed into your shopping cart you can put in a new order later for the same item but with printing / framing options added and once items are in your basket you can remove the original mosaic or collage you have already ordered. Please inform us you are doing this, so we know they are items to be added to another open order.
Can I print my mosaic or collage out myself at home?
Yes, if you purchase just the digital copy then once approved we will send/grant you access to be able to download the mosaic or collage image. Then you are free to print this at home or in a local print shop if you would like.
Which payment methods do you accept?
Accept all major debit and credit cards. These can be entered online as part of the ordering process.
How am I able to check track the status of my order?
You will receive an email to confirm your order has been placed. You will also be sent a 2nd email confirming when it has been dispatched to you and estimated delivery time.
Can I change or cancel my order?
You are able to change or cancel your order during the design stage if you are not happy with your mosaic or collage for any reason.
Unfortunately we're unable to change or cancel an order once you have provided approval of the final design We're also unable to accept return of digital files once sent out to you, due to the nature of the products we're also not able to take any returns on prints or wall products as all of our items are custom made items to order.
If there is an issue with an order, or an item has arrived with you damaged we will do what we can to rectify the issue or get a replacement item or refund to you as soon as possible. Any refund will only be issued on receiving the return of the defective or damaged product to us.
Any questions please contact us sales@MyPhotoFusion.com
My order arrived damaged, what should I do?
Please contact us immediately via email sales@MyPhotoFusion.com, so we can address the issue. Please see our return & refund policy on our website for further details.
Vouchers & eGift Cards:
How do I use the eGift Card to buy a mosaic or collage?
Input an order via our website. When you go onto the checkout page there will be an option to pay by gift card. You need to enter your gift card code and the amount will be deducted from the order.
How do I use the Product Gift Voucher to buy a mosaic or collage?
This entities you to a specific product that will be quoted on the gift voucher. Please follow the leaflet that came with the gift card and email us on info@MyPhotoFusion.com to redeem your gift.
Can I upgrade the voucher that I received to a different product?
Yes, should you wish to opt for a different product this is possible, you would just need to pay separately for any price differential. This would need to be invoiced to you separately. Please email us on info@MyPhotoFusion.com should you wish to do this.
Can I downgrade my voucher to get some money back or exchange it for cash?
No, the eGift card or product gift voucher is non refundable or redeemable for cash.
Delivery & Shipping:
How long will my order take to arrive?
Please see the “Shipping Times” link at the bottom of the website for further details.
How much does delivery cost?
All UK deliveries are free. Please email us for enquiries about shipping costs/times outside of the UK.
Do you ship internationally?
International deliveries are not officially being offered at the present time. However, should you wish to have an item sent internationally, please contact us at info@MyPhotoFusion.com to enquire further. A separate shipping charge would be incurred for this service but we would be happy to provide adhoc costings for any international prospective order(s).
Can I change my delivery address, or send the items to someone else?
Yes, you would enter the separate shipping and billing addresses when you order via the website.