Film Developing: Your Essential Mailing Guide

How to Mail Film for Developing: Complete Shipping Guide

Create Your Order Online

Visit our develop film page to get started with an order. Select your film format, process type (C-41 or black & white), scanning resolution, and if you'd like to add prints. Additionally, specify how you'd like your negatives returned (cut or uncut).

start an order

Wait for Order Confirmation Email

Once your order is submitted, you will receive an order confirmation email from us.

Locate the Shipping Label in the Email

Inside that confirmation email you will find your shipping label already generated and ready for download/print.

Documents showing different steps in our order and mailing process for film developing services.

Print Your Order's Receipt & Shipping Label

Print the label from your confirmation email on standard paper, keeping the barcode, address, and tracking number unobstructed.

You should also print your order’s receipt and place it inside the package with your film.

Important: Keep Your Tracking Number!

When you use the Round-Trip Shipping Label we provide, the bottom half of the sheet contains your tracking number. Save this portion of the label until we have received your film.

You will receive an email notification as soon as your film arrives at our lab, so keeping this half of the label ensures you can track your shipment and have peace of mind throughout the process.

Image showing the different steps in our order and mailing process with a packaged item and shipping materials.

Securely Package Your Film and Order Form

Place your film and your order receipt in a ziplock bag to keep everything together and protected if the outer package is damaged. We highly encourage you to place your film and order's receipt in a sealed ziplock bag; damaged envelopes have become more common.

Use a padded envelope for a few rolls. Use a box for larger or heavier orders.

white package used for shipping rolls of film to our company

Seal the Envelope/Box Securely

Use strong packing tape to completely close and reinforce your envelope or box. This helps prevent any tearing, tampering, or accidental opening during transit.

USPS mailing envelope illustrating different steps in our order and mailing process.

Attach the Shipping Label

Attach the printed shipping label to your package. Keep the bottom portion of the shipping form for your records, or make sure to record the tracking number.

Row of blue mailboxes representing different steps in our order and mailing process.

Drop Off at USPS Location

Take your securely packaged film to the nearest USPS location and drop it off for mailing to us.

USPS Locator

You will receive an email notification when your order has been received by our Lab.

Typical processing time for Color C-41 film is 1 to 2 Business Days; Black & White Film is 2 to 5 Business Days. Scans (if ordered) are delivered by email and Negatives/Prints are shipped back your way.

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