Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find an answer below, please email us at support@starrymaps.com, We'll respond as soon as possible.
I had an excellent experience with Starrymaps. Their customer service was prompt, personalized and completely effective! I highly recommend this fascinating and original service. — Gerard G.
General
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 products do you offer?
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.
How much is a star map?
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 easy:
- Visit our map editor to customize your design.
- Select a print format, size, and optional frame color.
- Click "Checkout" and enter your shipping details.
- Choose a payment method, pay, and finalize your order.
- You'll see an order summary once payment is confirmed.
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:
Imperial 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
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.
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 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.
Shipping
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.
* Note: Some print formats only have express shipping options depending on the shipping location. Please contact us at support@starrymaps.com if you have questions about shipping fees.
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.
How do I track my package?
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 Starrymaps 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!
What is your Returns Policy?
You can find our Returns Policy on this page.
Frames
Do you offer frames?
Yes. You can choose to have your print framed under the "Format" section; choose the "Framed Print" option and then choose a color of the 3 colours offered: Black, White and Natural (wooden look).
What colors are 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)
Can I buy the print without a frame and frame it locally?
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.
Digital Prints
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.