What Mpix is and how to order
Mpix is an online photo lab where you upload digital photos and order physical prints, photo books, canvas prints, and other photo products. You pick the size and quantity you want, pay online, and Mpix prints and ships them to you. The service is straightforward: create an account, upload your images, choose your products, and check out.
Mpix is owned by the same company that runs Shutterfly, so the ordering process and product range are similar. You can order anything from single 4x6 prints to large canvas wall art, photo albums, and custom gifts. Pricing varies by product type and size — a single 4x6 print costs less than a canvas or hardcover book, and bulk orders of the same print usually cost less per unit.
The site works on desktop and mobile. You do not need special software; you just need a web browser and your photos saved on your computer, phone, or cloud storage. Mpix accepts JPG, PNG, and other common image formats.
Key Takeaways
- Mpix is an online photo printing service where you upload images, choose print sizes and products, and pay to have them shipped to your address.
- You can order single prints, photo books, canvas prints, and other photo products in various sizes, with pricing that changes based on what you order.
- Shipping times vary — standard shipping typically takes one to two weeks, while expedited options are available at a higher cost.
- Mpix stores your uploaded photos in your account, so you can reorder the same images later without uploading them again.
How to create an account and upload photos
Start by going to the Mpix website and clicking the sign-up link. You will need an email address and a password. After you confirm your email, you can log in and start uploading photos.
To upload, click the upload button on your account dashboard. You can drag and drop photos directly into the browser window, or click to browse your computer or phone. Mpix also lets you connect cloud storage accounts like Google Photos, Amazon Photos, or Dropbox, so you can pick photos from there without downloading them first. Once photos are uploaded, they stay in your Mpix account — you do not have to upload them again if you want to order more prints of the same image later.
Mpix does not charge for storage or for uploading. You only pay when you order prints or products.
Choosing print sizes and products
After you upload a photo, Mpix shows you the available sizes and product types. For standard prints, common sizes are 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, and 11x14 inches. You can also order wallet-sized prints (2x3) or larger poster sizes. Each size has its own price.
Beyond prints, Mpix offers photo books (soft-cover and hardcover), canvas prints, metal prints, acrylic prints, mugs, calendars, and other items. The product menu on the left side of the site lets you browse what is available. Each product type has its own pricing structure — a 20-page hardcover book costs more than a 20-page soft-cover book, for example, and prices change based on the number of pages you add.
When you select a product, Mpix shows you a preview of how your photo will look. For books and multi-page products, you can arrange photos across pages and add text or captions before you order.
Understanding shipping and delivery times
Mpix offers several shipping speeds. Standard shipping typically takes one to two weeks from the time you place your order. Expedited and overnight options are available but cost more. The exact timing depends on your location and the product type — prints usually ship faster than books or canvas items.
You can see the estimated delivery date before you check out, so you know how long to expect. Mpix ships to addresses in the United States and some international locations. During busy seasons (like the holidays), standard shipping may take longer than usual.
Shipping costs are calculated based on the weight and size of your order and your delivery address. Mpix shows you the shipping cost before you complete your purchase, so there are no surprises at checkout.
Photo quality and paper options
Mpix prints photos on different paper types depending on what you order. Standard prints come on glossy or matte paper — glossy has a shiny finish and brighter colors, while matte has a flat finish and is less reflective. You choose which finish you prefer when you order.
The quality of your print depends partly on the resolution of your original photo. Mpix recommends uploading photos that are at least 300 dots per inch (DPI) for best results, though the site will let you order from lower-resolution images. If your photo is too small or low-resolution for the size you want, Mpix will warn you before you pay.
For canvas and metal prints, Mpix uses different production methods. Canvas prints are made by stretching printed canvas over a wooden frame. Metal prints are printed directly onto aluminum sheets. Both are designed to last and hang on a wall without a frame, though you can frame them if you want.
Pricing and payment
Mpix pricing varies widely depending on what you order. A single 4x6 print might cost between 50 cents and $1.50, depending on the paper type and any current promotions. A 20-page hardcover photo book might cost $20 to $40. Canvas prints and metal prints are typically more expensive — an 8x10 canvas might cost $30 to $50.
Mpix frequently runs promotions and discount codes, especially around holidays. You can sign up for their email list to hear about sales. The site also sometimes offers free shipping on orders over a certain amount.
At checkout, you enter your shipping address and payment information. Mpix accepts major credit cards, PayPal, and other payment methods. You will see your total cost — including the product price, shipping, and any applicable taxes — before you confirm the order.
Reordering and managing your account
Because Mpix stores your uploaded photos, you can order prints of the same image multiple times without uploading it again. This is useful if you want to order a few prints now and more later, or if you want to order the same photo in different sizes or products.
Your account dashboard shows your order history and lets you view photos you have uploaded. You can delete photos from your account if you no longer want them stored there, though this does not affect orders you have already placed.
If you have questions about an order after you place it, you can contact Mpix customer service through their website. They offer email support and a help center with answers to common questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit my photos before I order prints?
Mpix does not have built-in photo editing tools. You will need to edit your photos in another program (like your phone's photo app, Photoshop, or a free tool like Canva) before you upload them to Mpix. Once uploaded, you can crop or rotate photos during the ordering process, but you cannot adjust colors, brightness, or other details.
What happens if I am not happy with my prints when they arrive?
Mpix offers a satisfaction may provide. If you are not happy with the quality or if there is a printing error, you can contact their customer service to request a reprint or refund. You will need to describe the problem, and they may ask you to send photos of the issue.
Can I order prints as a gift and have them shipped to someone else?
Yes. During checkout, you can enter a different shipping address than your billing address. You can also add a gift message to some products. Mpix will not include a receipt or price information in the package unless you ask them to.
How do I know if my photo resolution is high enough?
When you select a print size, Mpix checks your photo's resolution and tells you if it is too low. If the resolution is borderline, the site will warn you but still let you order. For the best results, use photos that are at least 300 DPI, but Mpix can print lower-resolution photos if you accept the potential quality loss.
Can I cancel or change my order after I place it?
If you place an order and want to cancel or change it, contact Mpix customer service right away. If your order has not started printing yet, they may be able to cancel it or make changes. Once printing has begun, cancellation may not be possible, though you can still request a refund if there is an error.