Tech Tips & Color Profiles

For the best print quality, we recommend the following file formats:

Print resolution depends on viewing distance and print technology. Here are our general recommendations:

• Standard photographic prints: 300 DPI at final print size is ideal. Minimum 200 DPI for acceptable results.
• Giclée fine art prints: 300 DPI recommended for optimal detail. Our 44-inch Epson printers with Ultrachrome inks can resolve exceptional detail at this resolution.
• Large format / wall displays: 150-200 DPI may be sufficient for prints viewed at greater distance.
• Metal prints: 300 DPI recommended for maximum sharpness on the reflective aluminum surface.

Not sure about your file resolution? Bring it in or email it to us and our technicians will evaluate it for your desired print size.

Proper color management ensures your prints match what you see on screen as closely as possible:

• Color space: We recommend submitting files in Adobe RGB (1998) or sRGB. Adobe RGB provides a wider gamut, better for fine art printing.
• Embed your profile: Always embed the ICC color profile in your file. This tells our printers how to interpret your colors accurately.
• Monitor calibration: For the most accurate color preview, calibrate your monitor regularly using a hardware calibration device (such as a Datacolor SpyderX or X-Rite i1Display).
• Soft proofing: Use your editing software's soft proofing feature to preview how your image will look on specific print media.

Understanding our equipment helps you prepare files optimally:

1. Do not sharpen for screen. Over-sharpened files can produce artifacts in print. If you sharpen, do so conservatively and for the specific output size.
2. Check your shadows and highlights. Prints cannot reproduce the full dynamic range of a screen. Ensure your darkest shadows retain detail and your highlights are not blown out.
3. Consider the paper. Matte papers absorb ink differently than glossy surfaces. A slightly more saturated file may look better on matte; glossy surfaces handle subtlety well.
4. Request a proof. For large or expensive print jobs, we recommend ordering a small proof print first to verify color and exposure before committing to the full run.
5. Include bleed for borderless prints. Extend your image slightly beyond the trim size to allow for borderless printing without white edges.