At Art by Miss Abs, our goal is simple: to create high-quality, iconic artworks that are accessible globally. One of the best ways we achieve this is by offering our artwork as printables. With this new approach, you can purchase your favourite piece, download it instantly and have it hung on your walls in no time. To ensure your artwork looks stunning once printed, we've created a step-by-step guide to help you print your new masterpiece with ease.
What Is a Printable?
A printable is a piece of artwork that you can purchase online and receive as a downloadable digital file, typically in JPG, PNG, or PDF formats. Once downloaded, you can print the file either at home or through a professional printing service. This method is revolutionary, making art both accessible and affordable. You can easily update your gallery wall with the changing seasons or whenever you're ready for a fresh look.
How to Download Your Printable
Once you purchase a printable from Art by Miss Abs, it becomes available for immediate download directly from the checkout page once your payment is confirmed. Additionally, you'll receive a download notification email with a link to your files, typically compressed in a .zip file for convenience.
What is a .zip file, and how do I open it?
A .zip file is a collection of files compressed into a single file to save space and facilitate easy downloading. Double-click the .zip file, and your computer will automatically unzip it to reveal your printables. Both Windows and MacOS have built-in unzip tools, but if needed, you can use free applications like WinRAR, PeaZip, or iZIP, which are also available for mobile devices.
What is Aspect Ratio?
Aspect ratio refers to the proportional relationship between the width and height of an image. This is important when printing to ensure the artwork fits your frame without distortion or cropping. Our printables come in various aspect ratios to match popular frame sizes, so all you need to do is select the correct file for your chosen frame.
For example, if you want to print a 50x70cm frame, choose the file with a 5:7 aspect ratio. Here are some popular aspect ratios and their corresponding sizes:
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2:3: 12x18in, 24x36in, 20x30cm
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3:4: 12x16in, 18x24in, 30x40cm
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5:7: 10x14in, 50x70cm
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ALL ISO A Sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1
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4:5: 8x10in, 16x20in, 24x30in
Resolution and DPI: What You Need to Know
Our printables are typically ready to print at up to 70x100cm (24x36in) at 300DPI, which ensures crisp and clear prints. DPI, or "dots per inch," refers to the number of dots in a printed inch. The higher the DPI, the sharper the image. We recommend printing at 300DPI for the best results. Anything less than 150DPI may result in pixelated, blurry images.
Choosing the Right Paper
The type of paper you choose is just as important as the resolution. For the best results, we recommend using thick, heavy cardstock with a weight of at least 230gsm. A heavier paper helps prevent curling and warping. For most art prints, a matte finish works best, as it avoids unwanted shine and reflections, which can be a problem with glossy photo paper.
Selecting the Best Ink for Your Printables
For gallery-quality prints, pigment-based inks are the best option. These inks are made from tiny particles that bond with the paper fibres, creating vibrant, long-lasting prints. They're also waterproof and chemical-free, making them an ideal choice for professional-looking art.
At Art by Miss Abs, all our prints are produced using high-quality archival pigment-based inks on premium matte paper, ensuring they last for years to come.
Where to Print Your Printables
If you prefer not to print your artwork at home, there are plenty of options. Many local print shops and online printing services offer high-quality printing on the type of heavy paper we recommend.
UK Printing: Boots Photo, Snapfish, Snappy Snaps, Photobox
USA / Canada Printing: Staples, Walmart, FedEx, CanvasPop, Walgreens
Australia: Officeworks
Online: Shutterfly, Mpix, Finerworks, Persnicketyprints, Framebridge
I recommend Gicleetoday.com for a professional print or statement art.
All offer excellent printing services.
Alternatively, if you’d rather not deal with the printing process at all. We can also offer pre-printed versions of our designs. Please contact us here for more details.
For any further assistance with printing your printables, feel free to get in touch with us here. We're here to help you achieve stunning, professional results every time.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!
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