A print is the most physical form a photograph can take, and it reveals problems a screen may hide. Exporting for print needs different settings from exporting for the web: larger files, the right shape for the paper, a suitable color space and different sharpening. This lesson gives you a clear export checklist for prints. Print preparation in depth, including papers and printing methods, is covered in the printing course.
How print export differs from screen export
| Screen export | Print export | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small, for fast loading | Large enough for the print size |
| Format | JPEG | High-quality JPEG or 16-bit TIFF, as the lab requires |
| Color space | sRGB | The lab's requirement: often sRGB or Adobe RGB |
| Quality | Moderate compression | Highest quality or no lossy compression |
| Sharpening | Light, for screen | Stronger, tuned to print size and paper |
| Shape | Platform shape | Exactly the paper's proportions |
Screen exports were covered in export settings for web and social media.
Pixel dimensions and ppi
For prints viewed up close, 300 pixels per inch (ppi) is a common quality target, as you saw in resolution, pixels and real-world detail. Large prints viewed from further away can use fewer pixels per inch. To calculate the pixels needed, multiply the print size in inches by the ppi.
| Print size | Pixels needed |
|---|---|
| 4 × 6 in (10 × 15 cm) | 1200 × 1800 |
| 8 × 10 in (20 × 25 cm) | 2400 × 3000 |
| 8 × 12 in (20 × 30 cm) | 2400 × 3600 |
| 12 × 18 in (30 × 45 cm) | 3600 × 5400 |
Remember:The ppi number stored in a file does not change its quality; only the actual pixel dimensions matter. Many labs resize files themselves, so supplying the right pixel dimensions, or simply full resolution, is what counts.
Crop to the paper's shape
Camera images are usually 3:2, but many print sizes are not. An 8 × 10 print is 4:5, so part of a 3:2 image must be cropped. If you do not crop it yourself, the lab may crop it automatically and cut off important parts. Crop to the exact proportions before exporting, using the ideas in cropping and composition after capture and aspect ratio and final framing.
A print export checklist
- Read your lab's requirements: file type, color space, maximum file size, and whether they color-correct.
- Soft proof with the lab's or paper's profile, as in soft proofing and preparing for print.
- Crop to the print's exact proportions.
- Export at the needed pixel dimensions or full resolution.
- Choose highest-quality JPEG or 16-bit TIFF as required.
- Use the required color space with the profile embedded.
- Apply print sharpening for the print size and paper (matte papers usually need a little more than glossy); detailed in resolution, dimensions and output sharpening.
- Name files clearly with size information, such as _print-8x10.
- Order a small test print before large or many prints.
Tip:Save these choices as an export preset for each lab and paper, so nothing is forgotten.
Common mistakes
- Sending web-sized files for large prints: soft, pixelated results.
- Not cropping to the paper's shape: the lab crops for you, sometimes badly.
- Ignoring the lab's color space instructions: colors shift.
- Using screen sharpening for print: prints look softer than expected.
How professionals export for print
Professionals keep separate print presets for each lab and paper they use, soft proof before exporting, crop exactly to the print shape and sharpen for output. They often test new labs and papers with small prints first. Detailed printing topics, from paper types to fine-art printing, are covered in preparing photographs for print.
Practical examples
An 8 × 10 family print
- Situation
- A lab's 8 × 10 print cut off the top of a child's head.
- What to do
- You re-crop the image to 4:5 yourself and export at 2400 × 3000 pixels.
- Why it works
- Your 3:2 photo was automatically cropped to fit the 4:5 paper.
- Result
- The new print is framed exactly as you intended.
A large exhibition print
- Situation
- A gallery is printing your landscape at 24 × 36 inches.
- What to do
- You follow the lab's instructions: full-resolution 16-bit TIFF in Adobe RGB, soft proofed and sharpened for the paper.
- Why it works
- Large prints show every detail and need maximum quality.
- Result
- A sharp, rich print that matches your expectations.
Key points
- Print exports need larger files, the paper's exact shape, the lab's color space and print sharpening.
- Pixels needed = print size in inches × ppi (often 300 for close viewing).
- Only pixel dimensions matter; the ppi tag alone does not change quality.
- Crop to the print's proportions so the lab does not crop for you.
- Follow lab instructions, soft proof and make test prints.
Frequently asked questions
What resolution should I export for print?
Should I send JPEG or TIFF to a print lab?
Why did my print get cropped?
Do I need to sharpen for print?
Conclusion
Exporting for print means enough pixels, the right shape, the lab's color space, high quality and print sharpening, guided by soft proofing and test prints. Build presets for your labs and papers. Next, you will learn how to package and deliver final files to clients.
Finished reading? Track your progress through Workflow and delivery.