Frequently Asked Questions
What are these maps?
They are charts of the stars on a given night from a given location on earth. These maps are the electronic version of what is known as Planispheres in Astronomy. A Planisphere is a star chart analog computing instrument in the form of two adjustable disks that rotate on a common pivot. It can be adjusted to display the visible stars for any time and date. It is an instrument to assist in learning how to recognize stars and constellations.
Our maps are plotted out of thousands of stars, showing you what is visible on a particular night from a specific location on a night you choose. Along with the stars, our software plots the most known constellations and the outline of our galaxy, The Milkyway. All map elements are plotted with the highest known scientific accuracy. We use Yale’s Bright Star Catalog and other astronomical databases for our celestial data which contain the coordinates and brightness of each known star in the galactic coordinate system. For constellation lines, we use Donald Menzel’s A Field Guide to the Stars and Planets. We also include Deep Sky Objects (e.g. nebulas and galaxies) and their labels which are available in the Messier Catalog and the New General Catalog.
Each customized map is generated after processing thousands of stars and hundreds of related data points to the greatest scientific accuracy. You can compare our maps with ones generated by open source software packages, such as Stellarium.
What are your products?
We print custom star maps on Fine Art musuem-quality paper and on canvas. We also frame our prints in premium wooden frames that look great in any environment. If you need to have the print made on different material, you can purhcase the digital version of the star map which can be downloaded immediately after payment.
Are your prints framed?
You can choose to add a frame to your order at checkout. Our frames come in 3 colours: Black, White and Natural (wooden look).
Tell me more about your frames?
Our frames come in 3 colors: Black, White and Oak (natural wood). Created from high-quality wood, our frames are milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. The dimensions are 20mm (front face) and 23mm (depth from wall)
What are your prices?
Our prices depend on the product you choose, it also depends on whether you have a promotion applied. We recommend that you check our map customization page, choose the settings you would like to check the price for, then go to checkout which will display the price for you. This is all for free, you do not have to buy at this stage. You can also save your map for later and return back to buy it if you made up your mind.
How do I order?
Ordering your map is simple. All you have to do is follow these steps:
- First, go to our map editor to design your own map.
- Once you're happy with your design, choose a product format and size. You can also choose a frame color to have us frame it for you.
- After that, click on "Checkout". This will take you to the checkout page to complete your shipping details.
- Once you're done, click on one of the payment methods below to pay and submit the order for processing.
- That’s all! We’ll show you an order summary page when the payment processor confirms your payment.
What sizes are your prints?
It depends on the product you choose at checkout.
Prints
Print sizes depend on your location. For our customers in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, we offer portrait sizes in 12"x16", 18"x24", and 24"x32" prints with and without a frame. We also have square sizes in 12"x12" and 16"x16". For the rest of the world, we have portrait prints in 40x50 CM, 50x70 CM, and 60x80 Centimeters. Square prints are in 30x30 CM and 40x40 CM. Starrymaps look amazing in these sizes and we use museum quality 200gsm Fine Art paper.
The Digital Images (instant downloads)
For downloadable maps, we offer a range of standard sizes. You can download your map in all sizes instantly after payment. The sizes offered are:
US Sizes (Inches):
- 8.5 x 11″ (letter)
- 11 x 14″
- 16 x 20″
- 18 x 24″
- 24 x 36″
Metric (Centimeters):
- 21 x 29.7 CM (A4)
- 24 x 30 CM
- 30 x 40 CM
- 40 x 50 CM
- 50 x 70 CM
Can I download the map and print it on my own?
Yes you can! We offer our custom star maps as downloadable files which you will get instant access to as soon as you complete your order. You could then print your map at a local print shop or upload it to an online printing service.
Where can I print my downloaded map?
If you choose to buy the digital star map, you will get access to the map files in 10 different sizes instantly. To print, you can save the sizes you want on a memory stick or send it by email to your local print service. Alternatively, you could upload the map to an online print service such as Snapfish and have them print if for you.
Can I save my custom map design for later?
Yes! If you want to save your design to come back for it later you definitely can. Proceed to create a custom map page. Once you are done with customization, hit the "Save Design" button in the bottom left corner. Then, type your email and we’ll send you a link to your map which you could use any time to access your saved map.
Can I change the font type or size?
At the moment, font sizes and types can not be changed. However, you could order your map as a downloadable file which you could then edit in photoshop or any photo editing software. There you can adjust the font size, type, or write something in any font you wish.
Do you ship to my country?
We ship prints worldwide for free. If you choose to purchase the digital poster, your map will be instantly available for download once your payment is cleared.
How long does shipping take?
We need 3 business days to process your order. Once your order is processed, we dispatch your print to a shipping service and send you an email with a shipment tracking code. Shipping times may differ depending on couriers and destination, here's our best effort estimate of how long it takes:
Express Shipping
- US, Canada and UK: 1-3 business days.
- Europe: 2-5 business days.
- Rest of the world: 4-7 business days
Standard Shipping
- US: Framed and Canvas prints take 2-5 working days. For posters it is 5-10 working days.
- Canada: Posters take 5-10 working days. Framed and Canvas prints can only be shipped express and are delivered in 2-5 working days.
- Europe: All types of prints are delivered in 5-10 working days.
- UK: All types of prints take 2-3 working days.
- Australia: Posters take 3-7 working days. Framed and Canvas prints take 3-5 working days.
- Rest of the world: 10-20 working days.
Note that you can choose express 2-day shipping at checkout. If you need your print sooner, consider buying the downloadable files (which come in 10 different sizes) and print the size you like at a local print shop.
How much does shipping cost?
We have free standard shipping to US, Canada and Australia and charge a small fee for that in Europe and the rest of the world (detailed at checkout). Express shipping is extra. You can upgrade your shipping at checkout. If you are tight on time please get in touch and we'll do our best to accommodate your needs.
Do you ship express?
Yes, you can add express shipping at checkout. Express shipping prices varies depending on the shipping country; head over to the shipping method section at checkout to find out how much it costs. Please get in touch if you need help with that at support@starrymaps.com.
Can I track my package?
Yes. We’ll send you a tracking code as soon as we’re done processing your order. If you haven’t received your tracking code, please check your Spam or Junk folder. If you still can not find it, please get in touch at support@starrymaps.com.
How are your prints packaged?
All prints are shipped well-protected to make sure they get to you in excellent quality. Rolled prints are shipped in cylinders, and framed prints are shipped in boxes. Both are very well protected against possible damages. If you receive a damaged package please get in touch right away at support@starrymaps.com and we'll make things right. Also note that we do not include any receipts or mentions of prices or promotions in our packages, we only include your customized print!
Are your prints framed?
Yes, if you choose the framed poster format we'll ship your print framed and well protected. You can choose a frame color on the map designer page here.
Where can I find the right frame for your prints?
If you decided to buy the print without a frame, you could buy a frame locally. Our print sizes are standard internationally. You should be able to find frames for these sizes in online stores like Amazon and IKEA.
US and Canada
For the US and Canada, our prints come in the following sizes: 12"x16", 18"x24", and 24"x36" on museum grade matte paper, printed with archival ink, offering 100+ years of colour guarantee. If you're looking for a perfect fit, get a frame matching the size of the print.
Australia & New Zealand
For the Australia and New Zealand, our prints come in the following sizes: 12"x16", 18"x24", and 24"x36" on museum grade matte paper, printed with archival ink, offering 100+ years of colour guarantee. For that, you could get the a frame that matches the size of the print if you want it to fit perfectly. Check framesnow.com.au, they usually have the 18x24 inch frames in stock. You could also look for your frame at amazon.au, they have a wide selection of frames in the listed sizes.
UK & Ireland
We offer the 30x40 CM, 50x70 CM and 60x80 CM prints on museum grade art matte. They're printed using archival ink, with a colour guarantee of 100+ years. If you want your print to fit the frame perfectly, get a frame that matches the size you choose, or have us frame it for you by choosing the Framed Print option.
Europe and The Rest of The World
We offer the 30x40 CM, 50x70 CM and 60x80 CM prints on museum grade art matte. They're printed using archival ink, with a colour guarantee of 100+ years. get a frame that matches the size you choose, or have us frame it for you by choosing the Framed Print option.
I’m sending the print as a present, could you exclude the invoice from the package?
We do not include any invoicing details in the package, we only ship your customized map.
Do you offer other print sizes than 18x24 inches and 50x70 Centimeters?
Yes! depending on your location, we offer the following sizes: 12x16", 18x24", 24x32", 40x50 CM, 50x70 CM 60x80 CM.
Do you sell gift cards or vouchers?
Yes we do! Gift cards are a great option to let your recipient choose their design. They're also perfect when you're short on time. Please go to www.starrymaps.com/gift_card to buy yours.
When does my Gift Card expire?
Gift cards are valid within 1 year of purchase. The expiry date is available in your Gift Card order confirmation email. If you cannot find the expiration date, please email us at support@starrymaps.com and we'll be happy to provide that information for you.
Can I use a gift card to place multiple orders?
Yes, you can. For example, if you have a gift card valued at $125 and you wanted to buy the digital version of the map which cost $35, you can use the gift voucher multiple times to buy more than one digital print. This applies until the value of the card is $0.
Can I use a discount coupon code on an order I used a gift card voucher to pay for?
No, discounts cannot be applied to orders paid for with a gift card.
I want to send a map as a gift, can you remove the receipt?
We only include your print in the package, we do not include receipts.
Do you print on Canvas?
Yes we do! You can choose the "Stretched Canvas" option under the Poster Format menu to have us send it on beautifully stretched canvas.
What is your Returns Policy?
You can find our Returns Policy on this page.