If you’re new to professional printing and want to achieve the best possible results, this guide shares our top five tips for creating stunning prints every time. Follow these steps to ensure your files are ready for flawless production.
Check Your File Format and Resolution
The file format and resolution of your artwork directly affect the quality of your final print. At The Stackhouse, we recommend the following file formats for optimal results:
- TIFF
- PNG
- High-Resolution JPEG
Resolution Requirements:
- Minimum: 150 PPI (pixels-per-inch) for large-format prints viewed from a distance.
- Recommended: 300 PPI for high-definition results.
- Ensure your image dimensions match or exceed the intended print size to avoid stretching or pixelation.
For more detailed guidance on file preparation, check out our Supported File Types and Resolutions article.
Adjust Your File’s Color Settings
To achieve accurate color reproduction, it’s essential to use the correct color profile. We recommend the following:
- AdobeRGB: Ideal for vibrant and saturated colors, making it perfect for high-quality art prints.
- sRGB: Ensures consistency across digital and printed formats, suitable for everyday photography and prints.
Embed an ICC Profile:
- Embedding an ICC profile maintains color consistency from screen to print by instructing the printer how colors should appear. For help embedding ICC profiles, refer to our Color Management Guide.
Resize and Crop Your Image as Needed
Sometimes your image dimensions may not match the desired print size. Here’s how to address this:
- Resize Your Image: Adjust dimensions to match the intended print size without reducing resolution below the recommended 300 PPI.
- Crop Carefully: Place important details closer to the center to avoid cropping during printing or framing.
- Add Borders: If resizing or cropping isn’t ideal, consider adding borders to preserve your full image.
Prepare Layers and Text
If your file contains multiple layers or text, follow these steps to ensure compatibility:
-
Flatten Layers:
- For Photoshop files, flatten all layers before exporting to minimize file size and prevent misinterpretation by the printer.
-
Outline Text:
- For vector files, convert text to outlines to avoid font compatibility issues during printing.
Do a Final File Review Before Submitting
Create a checklist to ensure your file is ready for printing:
- Verify resolution is 300 PPI.
- Confirm the correct color profile (AdobeRGB or sRGB).
- Double-check file format (TIFF, PNG, or JPEG).
- Flatten layers and outline text as needed.
File Naming Tip:
- Use a clear naming convention to make files easy to identify (e.g.,
ProjectName_PrintSize_Date
).
FAQs
What is the minimum resolution for printing?
- The minimum resolution is 150 PPI, but we recommend 300 PPI for best results.
What color profile does The Stackhouse use?
- Our printers use an RGB workflow. We recommend AdobeRGB or sRGB for accurate color reproduction.
Why do I need to flatten my image before printing?
- Flattening ensures all elements are fixed in place and minimizes the chance of misinterpreted layers. It also reduces file size for easier uploading.
Where do I upload my image for printing?
- Place an order on our online storefront. Once you select your desired print type, you’ll be prompted to upload your file.
Need Help?
Our team at The Stackhouse is here to ensure your prints turn out perfectly. If you have questions about preparing or submitting files, contact us here.
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