How do I print a matrix of photos from Apple’s Photos App?

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Level 1

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How do I print a matrix of photos from Apple’s Photos App?

I took a lot of really interesting pictures in Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona a few years ago. A single picture cannot convey the vast wonders of this slot canyon. I would like to combine 15 or 20 pictures into matrix and produce it as a single large print for framing. The final product would be at least 24”x36”. I know it would be cheaper to print each pic separately, then combine them in the frame. However, I think the finished product would have a better look if they were combined into one file and printed as a single unit for framing.

I saw a recommendation for combining photos into one file by putting them in a single pdf file. However that places each picture on a separate page. I specifically want to place them in a matrix and print them as a single large print.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

MacBook Pro (M4)

Posted on Jun 30, 2025 4:00 AM

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Answer 1

léonie

Level 10

200,211 points

Jun 30, 2025 5:29 AM in response to ForrestSRO

When you print a contact sheet, you can specify the number of columns, the margins, and the spacing. Just try it out for yourself, without printing. Photos will be showing you a preview.

For example:

You would have more control, if you created a a one-page document with Apples iWork apps, Pages or Keynote, where you can place the photos freely.

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Answer 2

ForrestSRO Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 30, 2025 4:45 AM in response to Urquhart1244

It might. I envision each picture as being maybe 8”x10” or 10”x12”; so the overall print will be quite large. I also want to keep the maximum resolution and color definition in the final print.

New question. If I print the selection as a contact sheet, will I be able to define the spacing between them?

Though I have taken a lot of pictures, I am new to tweaking and printing them.

Thanks for your response. I appreciate it.

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Answer 3

Jun 30, 2025 9:13 AM in response to ForrestSRO

Do you have a printer, or are you sending a file to a company that can make a 24”x36” print?

The Contact Sheet is a great idea, and you can add titles and captions and stuff. The problem with the contact sheet, I think, is that, since it's designed for standard paper sizes, the resolution may not be great enough for such a large print. I'm not sure how you set up something that big.

I think what I would do is use a photo printing company. I have used mpix for some large prints I see that they have a collage maker where you can upload your pictures and then arrange them on the page. I haven't done exactly that, but I've made Photo Books the same way with them, and they were great. Of course, there are other companies that do this stuff, too.

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Answer 4

Urquhart1244

Level 10

145,800 points

Jun 30, 2025 4:18 AM in response to ForrestSRO

You can print a selection of photos as Contact Sheet, set rows and columns per page, then print or save as PDF. Would that do what you seek?

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Answer 5

Old Toad

Level 10

214,404 points

Jun 30, 2025 8:51 AM in response to ForrestSRO

If you want a collage of the photos you can use Pages. I made this 20" x 30" college with pages:

And this whimsical test college earlier:

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