File Preparation
& Specifications
Everything you need to prepare your artwork or photography for museum-quality printing. Follow these specifications and your file will be ready to print.
Before Upload · All Orders — Your file should meet these specifications before uploading. Files that don't meet our standards may result in print quality issues — we'll contact you before proceeding if we spot a problem, but getting it right upfront saves time for everyone.
Core File Requirements
At your final print dimensions. A file that is 300 DPI at 8×10" will print sharply at 8×10" — not larger. Check resolution in Photoshop under Image → Image Size.
Adobe RGB (1998) is required for accurate color reproduction on our archival printers. sRGB is acceptable if Adobe 1998 is not available. CMYK files will be converted and may shift.
Set your file dimensions to match your intended print size. If ordering an 18×24" print, your file should be 5400×7200 pixels at 300 DPI. Add a border if you need signing space.
TIFF is preferred for fine art. JPG at maximum quality (12/12) is acceptable for photography. Avoid heavy JPG compression — it creates artifacts visible at print scale.
Large, high-resolution files are welcome. TIFF files for large-format prints are often 500 MB–2 GB — this is expected and handled without issue.
Flatten all layers before saving (Layer → Flatten Image in Photoshop). This prevents adjustment layers, blending modes, or visibility states from rendering unexpectedly.
Preparing Your File, Step by Step
Set your document to the correct color space
In Photoshop, go to Edit → Convert to Profile and select Adobe RGB (1998) as the destination. This is different from Assign Profile — Convert to Profile actually moves the color data. If your file is in sRGB, converting to Adobe 1998 opens the color gamut for richer print output.
- Adobe RGB (1998)
- ProPhoto RGB (will be converted)
- sRGB IEC61966-2.1 (acceptable)
- CMYK color modes
- Lab color mode
- Missing / untagged profiles
Verify resolution and pixel dimensions
Go to Image → Image Size. Make sure Resample is unchecked. Set Resolution to 300 pixels/inch. The document dimensions shown should match your intended print size. If they don't match, resize with Resample checked using Preserve Details 2.0 for the best upsampling quality.
Example: 5400 px ÷ 300 = 18 inches
Add a border if needed
If your print will be matted or framed, or if you want room to sign the print, add a white border using Image → Canvas Size. A common setup is 0.5" on all sides for a signing margin, or 1" on the bottom for a pencil signature. Let us know your border preference in the order notes.
- 0.5–1" border for signature
- 2" border for window mat overlap
- Bleed: no border needed
- Adding border after setting DPI (changes pixel count)
- Colored borders — use white or black only unless intentional
Flatten all layers and save
Before exporting, go to Layer → Flatten Image. Then save using one of the preferred formats below. For maximum quality, save as a 16-bit TIFF with no compression, or as a maximum-quality JPG (Quality 12). Avoid ZIP or LZW compression if your print studio will be doing color management.
| Format | Best For | Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| .tif / .tiff | Fine art, paintings, large editions | Best | 16-bit, uncompressed preferred. Lossless. |
| .psd | Photoshop documents needing review | Best | Flatten before sending. We can work from layered PSDs on request. |
| .jpg | Photography, quick turnaround | Good | Save at Quality 12 (maximum). Each save degrades quality slightly. |
| .png | Digital art, illustrations with transparency | Good | Lossless. Large files. Use when transparency matters. |
| Vector art, multi-page documents | Good | Save as PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 at 300 DPI. Embed all fonts. | |
| .bmp / .gif / .webp | — | Not Accepted | These formats are not suitable for fine art printing. |
How to Upload Your File
Choose Your Product
Select Giclee Print, Canvas, C-Print, or UV Printing and configure your size and paper options.
Upload Your File
Click Upload Your Print File on the product page. Drag and drop or browse. Files up to 5 GB are accepted.
Add to Cart & Check Out
Your file is securely attached to your order. Complete checkout — your file travels with your order automatically.
We Review & Print
Our team reviews your file before printing. We'll reach out if anything needs attention before we begin.
Preparing Your File in Detail
Setting Resolution to 300 DPI in Photoshop
Open your file in Photoshop and go to Image → Image Size (shortcut: Option+Cmd+I on Mac, Alt+Ctrl+I on Windows). This dialog controls both the pixel dimensions and the output resolution of your file.
Understanding Interpolation
The Resample checkbox controls whether Photoshop adds or removes pixels when you change size. This is called interpolation — the process of mathematically inventing new pixel data.
Resample OFF: Photoshop redistributes existing pixels. Changing resolution changes print size but not pixel count. No quality loss. Use this first to check if your file is large enough at 300 DPI.
Resample ON: Photoshop creates or discards pixels. Use only when you need to change actual pixel dimensions. Always use Preserve Details 2.0 for upsampling — it produces the sharpest result.
Rule of thumb: Never upsample more than 200% of the original size. Beyond that, the invented pixel data becomes visible as softness or artifacts at print scale.
Resizing an Image to Your Print Size
Once you know your target print dimensions, resize your file so it is exactly that size at 300 DPI. This ensures no scaling happens during printing — what you set is what gets printed.
Go to Image → Image Size, make sure Resample is checked, set the method to Preserve Details 2.0, confirm Resolution is 300 Pixels/Inch, then enter your print width or height.
Common print sizes at 300 DPI
18" × 300 = 5,400 px · 24" × 300 = 7,200 px
Adding a Border for Print
A border adds blank space around your image — useful for signing prints, allowing for window mat overlap, or creating a clean presentation edge. Use Canvas Size (not Image Size) — this adds space without scaling your image.
Go to Image → Canvas Size (Option+Cmd+C / Alt+Ctrl+C). Check "Relative" — this adds the amount you type to the existing canvas. Enter the border width, set Canvas Extension Color to White, use the center anchor for even borders on all sides.
Common border uses
- Add 1.5–2" to the bottom only
- Click the top-center anchor in Canvas Size
- Room for a pencil signature below the image
- Add 2–3" on all sides
- The mat window covers most of the border
- Specify border size in your order notes
📬 Sending a very large file or need a consultation?
For files over 5 GB, or if you'd like a color proof or consultation before ordering, contact us directly. You're also welcome to bring your file in person to our Brooklyn studio — we can review it together and discuss paper, sizing, and finishing before a single print is made.
ℹ️ Please upload and click on Submit Order
Supreme Digital Direct file upload
File Preparation
& Specifications
Everything you need to prepare your artwork or photography for museum-quality printing. Follow these specifications and your file will be ready to print.
Before Upload · All Orders — Your file should meet these specifications before uploading. Files that don't meet our standards may result in print quality issues — we'll contact you before proceeding if we spot a problem, but getting it right upfront saves time for everyone.
Core File Requirements
At your final print dimensions. A file that is 300 DPI at 8×10" will print sharply at 8×10" — not larger. Check resolution in Photoshop under Image → Image Size.
Adobe RGB (1998) is required for accurate color reproduction on our archival printers. sRGB is acceptable if Adobe 1998 is not available. CMYK files will be converted and may shift.
Set your file dimensions to match your intended print size. If ordering an 18×24" print, your file should be 5400×7200 pixels at 300 DPI. Add a border if you need signing space.
TIFF is preferred for fine art. JPG at maximum quality (12/12) is acceptable for photography. Avoid heavy JPG compression — it creates artifacts visible at print scale.
Large, high-resolution files are welcome. TIFF files for large-format prints are often 500 MB–2 GB — this is expected and handled without issue.
Flatten all layers before saving (Layer → Flatten Image in Photoshop). This prevents adjustment layers, blending modes, or visibility states from rendering unexpectedly.
Preparing Your File, Step by Step
Set your document to the correct color space
In Photoshop, go to Edit → Convert to Profile and select Adobe RGB (1998) as the destination. This is different from Assign Profile — Convert to Profile actually moves the color data. If your file is in sRGB, converting to Adobe 1998 opens the color gamut for richer print output.
- Adobe RGB (1998)
- ProPhoto RGB (will be converted)
- sRGB IEC61966-2.1 (acceptable)
- CMYK color modes
- Lab color mode
- Missing / untagged profiles
Verify resolution and pixel dimensions
Go to Image → Image Size. Make sure Resample is unchecked. Set Resolution to 300 pixels/inch. The document dimensions shown should match your intended print size. If they don't match, resize with Resample checked using Preserve Details 2.0 for the best upsampling quality.
Example: 5400 px ÷ 300 = 18 inches
Add a border if needed
If your print will be matted or framed, or if you want room to sign the print, add a white border using Image → Canvas Size. A common setup is 0.5" on all sides for a signing margin, or 1" on the bottom for a pencil signature. Let us know your border preference in the order notes.
- 0.5–1" border for signature
- 2" border for window mat overlap
- Bleed: no border needed
- Adding border after setting DPI (changes pixel count)
- Colored borders — use white or black only unless intentional
Flatten all layers and save
Before exporting, go to Layer → Flatten Image. Then save using one of the preferred formats below. For maximum quality, save as a 16-bit TIFF with no compression, or as a maximum-quality JPG (Quality 12). Avoid ZIP or LZW compression if your print studio will be doing color management.
| Format | Best For | Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| .tif / .tiff | Fine art, paintings, large editions | Best | 16-bit, uncompressed preferred. Lossless. |
| .psd | Photoshop documents needing review | Best | Flatten before sending. We can work from layered PSDs on request. |
| .jpg | Photography, quick turnaround | Good | Save at Quality 12 (maximum). Each save degrades quality slightly. |
| .png | Digital art, illustrations with transparency | Good | Lossless. Large files. Use when transparency matters. |
| Vector art, multi-page documents | Good | Save as PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 at 300 DPI. Embed all fonts. | |
| .bmp / .gif / .webp | — | Not Accepted | These formats are not suitable for fine art printing. |
How to Upload Your File
Choose Your Product
Select Giclee Print, Canvas, C-Print, or UV Printing and configure your size and paper options.
Upload Your File
Click Upload Your Print File on the product page. Drag and drop or browse. Files up to 5 GB are accepted.
Add to Cart & Check Out
Your file is securely attached to your order. Complete checkout — your file travels with your order automatically.
We Review & Print
Our team reviews your file before printing. We'll reach out if anything needs attention before we begin.
Preparing Your File in Detail
Setting Resolution to 300 DPI in Photoshop
Open your file in Photoshop and go to Image → Image Size (shortcut: Option+Cmd+I on Mac, Alt+Ctrl+I on Windows). This dialog controls both the pixel dimensions and the output resolution of your file.
Understanding Interpolation
The Resample checkbox controls whether Photoshop adds or removes pixels when you change size. This is called interpolation — the process of mathematically inventing new pixel data.
Resample OFF: Photoshop redistributes existing pixels. Changing resolution changes print size but not pixel count. No quality loss. Use this first to check if your file is large enough at 300 DPI.
Resample ON: Photoshop creates or discards pixels. Use only when you need to change actual pixel dimensions. Always use Preserve Details 2.0 for upsampling — it produces the sharpest result.
Rule of thumb: Never upsample more than 200% of the original size. Beyond that, the invented pixel data becomes visible as softness or artifacts at print scale.
Resizing an Image to Your Print Size
Once you know your target print dimensions, resize your file so it is exactly that size at 300 DPI. This ensures no scaling happens during printing — what you set is what gets printed.
Go to Image → Image Size, make sure Resample is checked, set the method to Preserve Details 2.0, confirm Resolution is 300 Pixels/Inch, then enter your print width or height.
Common print sizes at 300 DPI
18" × 300 = 5,400 px · 24" × 300 = 7,200 px
Adding a Border for Print
A border adds blank space around your image — useful for signing prints, allowing for window mat overlap, or creating a clean presentation edge. Use Canvas Size (not Image Size) — this adds space without scaling your image.
Go to Image → Canvas Size (Option+Cmd+C / Alt+Ctrl+C). Check "Relative" — this adds the amount you type to the existing canvas. Enter the border width, set Canvas Extension Color to White, use the center anchor for even borders on all sides.
Common border uses
- Add 1.5–2" to the bottom only
- Click the top-center anchor in Canvas Size
- Room for a pencil signature below the image
- Add 2–3" on all sides
- The mat window covers most of the border
- Specify border size in your order notes
📬 Sending a very large file or need a consultation?
For files over 5 GB, or if you'd like a color proof or consultation before ordering, contact us directly. You're also welcome to bring your file in person to our Brooklyn studio — we can review it together and discuss paper, sizing, and finishing before a single print is made.
ℹ️ Please upload and click on Submit Order