Printing can sometimes feel like learning a new language, with so many terms and concepts to understand. But don’t worry! Knowing a few key printing words can help you feel more confident when talking to professionals and make your printing experience much easier. Whether you’re printing on canvas, fine art paper, metal prints, or peel-and-stick wall art, here are some important printing terms you should know, so your prints turn out just how you want them!
DPI (Dots Per Inch) and PPI (Pixels Per Inch)
Both DPI and PPI talk about how clear and detailed your print will be, but they mean different things.
- PPI: This is the resolution of your digital image (the photo or artwork on your computer). Higher PPI means the image is clearer.
- DPI: This is about how much ink the printer puts on the paper. Higher DPI means more ink and a sharper print.
Why it matters: Higher PPI and DPI help your print look sharper and more detailed, especially for big prints!
Giclée Fine Printing
Giclée is a fancy term for high-quality digital printing. Giclée fine prints use special inks that don’t fade easily, and they look just like the original artwork.
Why it matters: Giclée fine printing is used for prints that need to last a long time, like gallery artwork or limited-edition prints.
ICC Profiles
An ICC profile is a set of data that helps make sure the colors you see on your computer screen match the colors in the print.
Why it matters: Using the right ICC profile helps ensure the colors in your print look just like you want them to, without any surprises!
Bleed and Margins
- Bleed: This is extra space around your image that will be trimmed off after printing. It makes sure your image goes all the way to the edge of the paper.
- Margins: These are the borders around your image that make sure nothing gets cut off during trimming.
Why it matters: Proper bleed and margins help keep your print looking neat and prevent unwanted white edges.
Color Modes: RGB vs. CMYK
- RGB: This color mode is used by screens (like your phone or computer).
- CMYK: This color mode is used by printers.
Why it matters: Before printing, you need to change your image from RGB to CMYK (or use the right color space) to make sure the colors in your print match what you see on screen.
Archival Quality
Archival quality refers to prints made with materials that last a long time without fading or breaking down. It’s like making sure your artwork will stay looking good for decades.
Why it matters: Archival-quality prints last much longer, so your art stays beautiful for years!
Proofing and Test Prints
- Proofing: This is a small test print you make to check colors, sharpness, and other details before making the final print.
- Test Prints: These are similar to proofing but help check the details before you commit to a larger print.
Why it matters: Proofs and test prints help catch any problems before you print a lot, so you don’t waste materials.
GSM (Grams per Square Meter)
GSM is a measurement of paper weight. The higher the GSM, the thicker and heavier the paper.
Why it matters: Choosing the right GSM ensures your print feels sturdy and durable, and it affects how the image looks on different types of paper.
Contact Us
Our address is: 3816 Pioneer Trail Ste #3, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Email: Info@gicleefineprints.com
FAQs
Not really. But having a basic understanding helps! We can guide you through everything when you’re ready to print.
Calibrate your monitor, use ICC profiles, and do a test print to check that everything looks great!
PPI is about the resolution of your digital image, and DPI is how much ink the printer uses. High PPI helps the image look good, and high DPI makes the print sharp.
