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Understanding Dimensions

MapToPoster outputs images at 300 DPI (dots per inch) for high-quality printing. The --width and --height flags specify dimensions in inches, which are then rendered at this resolution. Formula: pixels = inches × 300 DPI
All dimension values below are in inches to be used with -W (width) and -H (height) flags.

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Social Media Formats

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Instagram

python create_map_poster.py \
  -c "Paris" -C "France" \
  -W 3.6 -H 3.6
# Output: 1080 × 1080 px
FormatDimensions (inches)Resolution (px)Aspect Ratio
Square Post3.6 × 3.61080 × 10801:1
Portrait Post3.6 × 4.51080 × 13504:5
Story / Reels3.6 × 6.41080 × 19209:16

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Facebook & Twitter

python create_map_poster.py \
  -c "London" -C "UK" \
  -W 5.73 -H 2.13
# Output: 1720 × 640 px
PlatformTypeDimensions (inches)Resolution (px)
FacebookCover Photo5.73 × 2.131720 × 640
Twitter/XHeader5 × 1.671500 × 500

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Desktop Wallpapers

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HD and 4K Displays

python create_map_poster.py \
  -c "New York" -C "USA" \
  -W 6.4 -H 3.6
# Output: 1920 × 1080 px
Display TypeDimensions (inches)Resolution (px)Aspect Ratio
HD (1080p)6.4 × 3.61920 × 108016:9
4K UHD12.8 × 7.23840 × 216016:9
5K Retina17.07 × 9.65120 × 288016:9
Ultrawide QHD11.47 × 4.933440 × 144021:9
The maximum dimensions are 20 × 20 inches (6000 × 6000 px). Values exceeding this limit are automatically capped.

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Mobile Wallpapers

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Phone Screens

python create_map_poster.py \
  -c "Tokyo" -C "Japan" \
  -W 4.33 -H 9.36
# Output: 1290 × 2796 px (iPhone 15 Pro)
DeviceDimensions (inches)Resolution (px)Aspect Ratio
iPhone 15 Pro4.33 × 9.361290 × 2796~19.5:9
Standard Android3.6 × 6.41080 × 192016:9
iPhone 8/SE2.5 × 4.47750 × 1334~16:9

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Print Formats

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Standard Paper Sizes

python create_map_poster.py \
  -c "Barcelona" -C "Spain" \
  -W 8.27 -H 11.69
# Output: 2480 × 3508 px
Paper SizeDimensions (inches)Resolution (px) @ 300 DPI
A64.13 × 5.831240 × 1748
A55.83 × 8.271748 × 2480
A48.27 × 11.692480 × 3508
A311.69 × 16.543508 × 4961
US Letter8.5 × 112550 × 3300
US Legal8.5 × 142550 × 4200
US Tabloid11 × 173300 × 5100
For print, always use the default PNG format at 300 DPI for best quality. Alternatively, use --format pdf or --format svg for vector output that scales infinitely.

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Custom Print Sizes

python create_map_poster.py \
  -c "Paris" -C "France" \
  -W 12 -H 16
# Output: 3600 × 4800 px (default)

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Quick Reference Table

All common use cases in one place:
Use CaseWidthHeightResolutionCommand
Instagram Square3.63.61080×1080-W 3.6 -H 3.6
Mobile Wallpaper3.66.41080×1920-W 3.6 -H 6.4
HD Desktop6.43.61920×1080-W 6.4 -H 3.6
4K Desktop12.87.23840×2160-W 12.8 -H 7.2
A4 Print8.2711.692480×3508-W 8.27 -H 11.69
Default Poster12163600×4800(default)

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Aspect Ratio Guide

Choose dimensions based on your intended display:
Aspect RatioCommon UseExample Dimensions
1:1 (Square)Instagram, profile pics3.6 × 3.6
4:5 (Portrait)Instagram portrait3.6 × 4.5
3:4 (Portrait)Standard poster12 × 16
16:9 (Landscape)Desktop wallpaper12.8 × 7.2
9:16 (Portrait)Phone wallpaper3.6 × 6.4
21:9 (Ultrawide)Ultrawide monitor11.47 × 4.93

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Vector Output for Printing

For professional printing or scaling flexibility, use vector formats: 
# SVG format (infinitely scalable)
python create_map_poster.py \
  -c "Paris" -C "France" \
  --format svg

# PDF format (print-ready)
python create_map_poster.py \
  -c "Tokyo" -C "Japan" \
  --format pdf
Vector formats (SVG, PDF) ignore the DPI setting and can be scaled to any size without quality loss. Perfect for professional printing.

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See Also

Basic Usage

Getting started with common commands

Command Reference

Complete command-line flag reference

Distance Guide

Choose the right map radius

Output Formats

PNG, SVG, and PDF format details

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