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Guide to Print Your Artwork: Sizes, Formats and Tips

Picturalia Team
January 18, 2026

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:

SizeExpected qualityApproximate DPI
A4 (21x30 cm)Excellent300+ DPI
A3 (30x42 cm)Excellent250+ DPI
50x70 cmVery good180 DPI
60x90 cmGood150 DPI
100x150 cmAcceptable100 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)

ServiceTypesShippingPrice
ShutterflyAll5-7 days€€
CanvaspopCanvas7-10 days€€€
SnapfishPhoto, canvas5-10 days
PrintfulCanvas, poster5-7 days€€
WhiteWallPremium5-7 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 styleRecommended frame
WatercolorWhite with mat
Cartoon/AnimeBlack or frameless
Classic oilGold or brown wood
Pixar/3DModern black frame
Pop ArtFrameless 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

  1. Review the image on a large screen
  2. Check colors: Each screen shows differently
  3. Choose the size according to space
  4. Consider lighting on the wall

When choosing service

  1. Read reviews from other users
  2. Compare prices but also quality
  3. Ask for samples if it's your first time
  4. Check return policy

When hanging

  1. Correct height: Center of artwork at 150-160 cm from floor
  2. Lighting: Avoid direct sunlight
  3. Distance: Leave space to appreciate it
  4. 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

  1. Transform your photo in Picturalia (4K resolution)
  2. Download in maximum quality
  3. Choose the support according to your style
  4. Print at a quality service
  5. Frame appropriately
  6. Hang at the correct height
  7. Enjoy your memory transformed into art

Create my artwork →

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