Guide to Print Your Artwork: Sizes, Formats and Tips
Complete Guide to Print Your Artwork
You've transformed your photo into a work of art. Now comes the exciting part: printing it and hanging it on your wall. This guide will help you achieve the best possible result.
Resolution and print quality
What does 4K mean?
All Picturalia transformations are generated in 4K resolution (approximately 4000 pixels wide). This means:
- Over 8 million pixels
- 4 times more detail than Full HD
- Professional quality for printing
Maximum recommended sizes
With 4K resolution, you can print with excellent quality up to:
| Size | Expected quality | Approximate DPI |
|---|---|---|
| A4 (21x30 cm) | Excellent | 300+ DPI |
| A3 (30x42 cm) | Excellent | 250+ DPI |
| 50x70 cm | Very good | 180 DPI |
| 60x90 cm | Good | 150 DPI |
| 100x150 cm | Acceptable | 100 DPI |
Note: The greater the viewing distance, the less DPI you need. A 100x150 cm picture viewed from 2 meters will look perfect.
Types of printing support
Photo paper
Ideal for: Portraits, detailed photos
- Glossy or matte finish
- Vibrant colors
- Economical
- Needs framing
Pros: Price, color quality Cons: Needs frame, delicate
Canvas
Ideal for: Artistic style, watercolors, oils
- Visible fabric texture
- Traditional painting look
- Mounted on stretcher
- No frame needed
Pros: Artistic look, ready to hang Cons: More expensive, less fine detail
Acrylic (Metacrylate)
Ideal for: Modern, minimalist style
- Glossy finish
- Intense colors
- Very elegant
- Easy to clean
Pros: Modern, durable Cons: High price, reflections
Forex (Foamed PVC)
Ideal for: Price/quality, casual decoration
- Lightweight
- Economical
- Resistant
Pros: Cheap, light Cons: Less premium
Aluminum (Dibond)
Ideal for: Durability, outdoor
- Very resistant
- Professional look
- Long-lasting
Pros: Professional, durable Cons: High price, heavy
Where to print your artwork
Online services (International)
| Service | Types | Shipping | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shutterfly | All | 5-7 days | €€ |
| Canvaspop | Canvas | 7-10 days | €€€ |
| Snapfish | Photo, canvas | 5-10 days | € |
| Printful | Canvas, poster | 5-7 days | €€ |
| WhiteWall | Premium | 5-7 days | €€€€ |
Local print shops
Advantages of printing locally:
- Speed: Same day or 24h
- Advice: They help you choose
- No shipping: Pick up directly
- Adjustments: Can correct colors
Recommended frames
By image style
| Artwork style | Recommended frame |
|---|---|
| Watercolor | White with mat |
| Cartoon/Anime | Black or frameless |
| Classic oil | Gold or brown wood |
| Pixar/3D | Modern black frame |
| Pop Art | Frameless or vivid colors |
Frame materials
- Natural wood: Warm, classic
- Lacquered wood (white/black): Modern, clean
- Aluminum: Minimalist, professional
- Frameless (floating): Contemporary
Tips for the best result
Before printing
- Review the image on a large screen
- Check colors: Each screen shows differently
- Choose the size according to space
- Consider lighting on the wall
When choosing service
- Read reviews from other users
- Compare prices but also quality
- Ask for samples if it's your first time
- Check return policy
When hanging
- Correct height: Center of artwork at 150-160 cm from floor
- Lighting: Avoid direct sunlight
- Distance: Leave space to appreciate it
- Balance: Center with furniture below
Care and maintenance
Framed paper
- Clean glass with specific products
- Avoid humidity
- Don't expose to direct sunlight
Canvas
- Remove dust with soft dry cloth
- Don't use wet products
- Avoid corner bumps
Acrylic
- Clean with microfiber cloth
- Use antistatic products
- Avoid scratches
Summary: Your perfect artwork
- Transform your photo in Picturalia (4K resolution)
- Download in maximum quality
- Choose the support according to your style
- Print at a quality service
- Frame appropriately
- Hang at the correct height
- Enjoy your memory transformed into art
Ready to transform your photos?
Try Picturalia for free and turn your images into works of art
Get started