From download to framed print, step by step
Bought a digital art print and not sure what happens next? This guide walks you through printing it at home or at a print shop, with a size chart, a paper comparison and fixes for the most common problems.
The short version
- Check your file is big enough for the size you want.
- Use matte or satin photo paper.
- Choose your paper type and the highest quality setting.
- Print at 100% or “actual size”, not “fit to page”.
- Let the print dry fully before framing.
What you need before you start
- Your downloaded file. Keep an untouched copy somewhere safe and print from a duplicate.
- A printer. An inkjet photo printer gives the best colour and detail at home. Standard office printers can work for casual prints, and laser printers are better suited to documents than artwork.
- Paper. Choose paper made for your type of printer. The paper section below compares the options.
- A frame, and a mount if the sizes differ. It helps to know your frame size before you print.
- Time for a test print. One small test saves paper and ink.
How to print digital art at home: step by step
- Download and back up your files. Save them to your computer and to a second location. Print from a copy so the original stays untouched.
- Check the file size. Open the image and note its dimensions in pixels (right-click the file and choose Properties on Windows, or Get Info on a Mac). Compare it with the resolution table below.
- Choose your print size and frame. Pick the size first, then buy a frame to suit it. A mount lets a smaller print sit inside a larger frame.
- Choose your paper. See the paper table below. Matte or satin photo paper suits most artwork.
- Set up your printer. In the print dialogue, select the paper type you have loaded, choose the highest quality setting and set scaling to 100% or “actual size”. Turn off “fit to page”. Only choose borderless printing if your printer and the artwork both support it.
- Print a test. Print a small version or a plain-paper copy to check the position, cropping and margins.
- Print the final version. Load the paper with the printable side facing the right way and handle the finished sheet by its edges.
- Let it dry, then frame it. Allow the ink to dry fully before you touch the surface or place the print behind glass, and follow the instructions on the paper packaging.
Settings are named differently between printer brands. If you cannot find an option, check your printer’s manual or support page.
Choosing paper for art prints
| Paper | Typical weight | Finish | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain office paper | About 80 gsm | Matte, thin | Test prints only. Colours look flatter and the sheet is thin. |
| Matte inkjet photo paper | About 170 to 200 gsm | Soft, no shine | Everyday art prints with low glare under frames and lights. |
| Satin or gloss photo paper | About 170 to 260 gsm | Smooth with a sheen | Vivid colour and detail, though reflections are more visible. |
| Heavy matte or fine art paper | About 200 to 310 gsm | Matte, smooth or textured | A gallery feel. Check your printer can feed this weight. |
The abbreviation gsm means grams per square metre, a measure of paper weight. Check your printer’s maximum paper weight in its manual before you buy heavy paper.
Print resolution and size chart
Print quality depends on how many pixels the file has for the size you want. A common target is 300 pixels per inch (PPI), which gives sharp detail when a print is viewed up close. Larger pieces viewed from a distance can look fine at lower resolutions, such as 150 to 200 PPI.
| Print size | Pixels needed at 300 PPI |
|---|---|
| A5 (148 × 210 mm) | 1,748 × 2,480 |
| A4 (210 × 297 mm) | 2,480 × 3,508 |
| A3 (297 × 420 mm) | 3,508 × 4,961 |
| A2 (420 × 594 mm) | 4,961 × 7,016 |
| 5 × 7 in | 1,500 × 2,100 |
| 8 × 10 in | 2,400 × 3,000 |
If your file has fewer pixels than the table shows, print it at a smaller size rather than stretching it. Enlarging an image in software does not add real detail and can make it look soft.
Matching the shape of your frame
Frames and files come in different shapes. A4, A3 and the other A sizes share one shape, while sizes such as 8 × 10 in and 40 × 50 cm share another. If the shape of your file does not match your frame, you can crop the image, accept white borders or use a mount to hide the difference. See the frame size table on our printable wall art page.
Home printer, print shop or online print service?
| Option | Strengths | Things to check |
|---|---|---|
| Home printer | Fast and private. You control the paper and can reprint easily. | Most home printers stop at A4 or A3, and ink and photo paper costs add up. |
| Local print shop | Can print larger sizes such as A2 and A1, and staff can show paper samples. | Opening hours, the exact size and paper, and whether colours will be adjusted. |
| Online print service | Upload your file, choose the paper and size, and have the print delivered. | Delivery time, paper options and file requirements before you order. |
Tips for using a print shop
- Bring the file as a JPG, PNG or PDF at full size.
- Tell them the exact size in centimetres or millimetres.
- Ask for a sample or small test on your chosen paper.
- Ask them not to auto-correct the colours if you want the print to match the file.
- Check the image has not been cropped or stretched before they print.
Why colours can look different on paper
Screens create colour with light, while paper reflects light from the room, so a print rarely looks identical to the screen. These steps usually bring the two closer together:
- Select the correct paper type in your printer settings so the printer uses the right amount of ink.
- Judge the print in daylight or good room lighting, not under a coloured bulb.
- Lower your screen brightness when you compare, because a bright screen makes prints look darker.
- Try a different paper finish if the colours look too flat or too glossy.
- If you use a print shop, ask whether they can proof a small section first.
Fixing common printing problems
| Problem | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Colours look dull | Plain paper, or the wrong paper type selected | Use photo paper, select its type and choose the highest quality setting. |
| Streaks or lines | Blocked print head or low ink | Run a nozzle check and head clean from the printer menu, and check ink levels. |
| Edges cut off or uneven borders | Scaling set to “fit to page”, or margin settings | Choose 100% or actual size, check margins and run a test print. |
| Print looks soft or pixelated | The file does not have enough pixels for the size | Print smaller, or contact us before you buy a larger size. |
| Ink smudges | Paper not dry, or the wrong paper for your printer | Wait longer and use paper designed for your type of printer. |
| Print looks too dark | A bright screen, or too much ink for the paper | Check it in room light, and try a different paper or setting. |
| Paper curls | Thin paper or humidity | Use heavier paper and flatten it under a heavy book once dry. |
Framing and mounting your print
- Choose the frame size first, or buy a mount to match. A mount is a card border with a window cut slightly smaller than the print, so the edges are hidden and the print stays in place.
- Mounts help with mismatched sizes. A common example is an A4 print in an A3 frame with a mount, which gives the artwork breathing space.
- Look for acid-free mount board and backing. It helps protect paper over time.
- Glass or acrylic. Both protect the print. Acrylic is lighter and glass is more scratch-resistant. Clean either with a soft cloth.
- Hang at eye level. The centre of the picture usually sits at around 145 cm from the floor, and a little lower over furniture.
Looking after your prints
- Keep prints out of direct sunlight, which fades inks over time.
- Avoid damp rooms and places with steam or grease, such as above a cooker.
- Pigment-based inks generally resist fading better than dye-based inks. Check which type your printer uses.
- Store spare prints flat in acid-free sleeves or folders.
- Handle prints by their edges to avoid fingerprints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I print digital art on normal printer paper?
Yes, but colours will look flatter and the paper is thin. It is fine for a test print. For a finished piece, photo paper gives much better results.
Do I need a special printer?
No. A standard inkjet printer can produce good results with photo paper. A dedicated photo printer gives more colour depth, and a print shop can handle larger sizes.
What does “actual size” mean in the print settings?
It tells the printer to print the file at its real dimensions instead of shrinking or enlarging it to fit the page. In some programs it is called 100% or “no scaling”.
What if my file does not match my frame?
You can crop the image, accept white borders or use a mount to hide the difference. See the section on matching the shape of your frame above.
Can I print A3 on an A4 printer?
Not as a single sheet. Use a print shop or online print service for A3 and larger, or choose a printer that supports A3.
How long will my print last?
It depends on the paper, the ink and how much light the print receives. Pigment inks on good paper, hung out of direct sunlight, usually last longest.
Can I print on canvas or other materials?
Some print services can. They will tell you which file formats they accept, so ask about their requirements before you order.
Who can I ask if I am stuck?
Use our contact page and include the product name and the size you are trying to print.
Ready to print something?
Browse our printable wall art, or get in touch if you would like help choosing a size.