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Posted

 

Hi!

Really hoping someone out there might be able to shed some light on the problem I've been having - I feel like I've exhausted all options, so you guys are my last hope!

First things first, I am not an experienced designer in any respect, so I'm afraid I'll probably only understand basic terms. But always willing to learn!

So, here the problem lies:

I have been *trying* to create a logo within Affinity to be used on Instagram as the profile image. Everything goes without a hitch whilst I'm designing the logo and then exporting as a PNG/JPEG (the logo looks exactly as I would have expected when viewing the file on my laptop), but the problem arises when I upload the file as my Instagram profile image. There is clearly a loss of quality, with pixelation and blurring - This is less evident on a phone, although the lettering in my logo is still not sharp enough for my liking/the solid colour immediately surrounding the letters seems pixelated), but particularly evident when viewed on a desktop. I am aware that the quality may seem sufficient in the image I have attached, however the lettering is just not sharp enough - I have compared it to other logos on Instagram, in case I have had unrealistic expectations, but they have sharp lettering and backgrounds.

I have tried all sorts of things, and have looked through all sorts of forums/websites for possible ideas. 

The main things that I have tried are the following:

  • Tried different file sizes, having read up about Instagram's recommended sizing - i.e. experimenting with a 110px x 110px artboard/logo size, 180px x 180px, 500px x 500px and so on
  • Tried exporting the logo as different file types (PNG and JPEG)
  • Selected different options under the 'resampling' drop down, i.e. Bilinear, Bicubic etc
  • Tried 'convert to curves' 
  • Have most recently tried changing the font colour and background colour, as I read that Instagram can have some problems with certain colours (red), however if anything, the quality worsened
  • And plenty of other things that I can't remember!
  • Uploading the exported file straight to Instagram desktop version, and also sending the file to my phone to upload via the Instagram app.

It is quite possible that due to my inexperience in using programs such as Affinity, it could be something incredibly basic/simple that I was unaware was required, or perhaps this is an issue others have experienced. Either way, I welcome any ideas!

Thank you in advance!

Imogen

Instagram Desktop .png

Posted

Hi Imogen,

Welcome to the forums :)

I've recently covered a similar question at the following thread -

From your description it sounds as though you're creating quite small images, which when uploaded to a website such as Instagram this will be re-sampled which can also cause reduction in quality. May I ask why you are exporting no larger than 500px x 500px?

Posted

Might also be used font and it's quality dependent.

dawn_chorus.png.a03982f2468e84d94c8986242084ee1f.png

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Posted
3 hours ago, Dan C said:

Hi Imogen,

Welcome to the forums :)

I've recently covered a similar question at the following thread -

From your description it sounds as though you're creating quite small images, which when uploaded to a website such as Instagram this will be re-sampled which can also cause reduction in quality. May I ask why you are exporting no larger than 500px x 500px?

 

Unfortunately I have also tried exporting much larger sizes, and that didn't seem to work - However, I will give it another go and follow your advice from the thread you have linked. 

Thank you!

Posted
3 hours ago, v_kyr said:

Might also be used font and it's quality dependent.

dawn_chorus.png.a03982f2468e84d94c8986242084ee1f.png

 

Ah I hadn't thought of this! Could you possibly briefly explain this to me? What does it mean if a font is quality dependent, and is it possible to know which ones are/aren't?

I'll trial some different fonts and see if this helps - Thank you!

Posted

Perhaps it is time to add 'Output sharpening' options to export options like in so many other programs. :)

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Posted

Hello Imogem,
I think your image sizes really need to be bigger.
Instagram sizes start with aspect ratio and then max pixel dimensions.
Try these dimensions for images;
For photo posts try these
Post with Square image - 1:1 = 1080x1080 pixels.
Post with Portrait (vertical) image -  4:5 = 1080x1350px.
Post with Landscape (horizontal) image - 4:5 = 1350x1080px or 1.91:1 = 1080x608px
IGTV Cover Photo - 1:1.55 = 420x654px
Stories Instagram - 9:16 = 750x1334px
 

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