As an artist, you expect consistency in the reproductions of your work. By accurately producing the correct file specifications in accordance with Artelo’s standards, you increase the likelihood of accurate color reproduction. Below are a number of common questions and answers that specifically relate to best practices with Artelo to ensure your work prints exactly as you envision it.
1. What file format should I upload?
Artelo supports JPG, PNG, TIFF, and PDF files.
PDF (recommended): Ideal for preserving image integrity, embedded color profiles, and consistent sizing.
JPG: Great for photographic images and smaller file sizes, but use high-quality compression to avoid artifacts.
PNG: Best for images requiring transparency or graphics with sharp edges.
TIFF: Excellent for lossless quality, especially for detailed artwork or archival purposes.
Note: All files are converted to PDF before printing, as our raster image processing software uses PDFs for the most reliable print output. However, any of the above files are fine to upload as well.
Flattened vs. layered: Always upload flattened files. Layered files (like PSDs or layered TIFFs) may not render correctly in the prepress workflow. Further, exporting out of Illustrator can pose issues due to the vectorization including multiple color spaces in the file metadata. As a result, it is recommended to export out of Photoshop instead.
2. What resolution (DPI) should my file be?
Artelo recommends 300+ DPI images to ensure your resolution is up to par.
The minimum acceptable DPI is 150. We enforce this requirement inside our app. You'll notice this if you try to stretch the image beyond the 150 DPI limit.
If you upload a low-res image, you risk blurriness and poor print quality that can lead to customer dissatisfaction.
3. What color mode should I work in, RGB or CMYK?
Artelo supports files created in both CMYK and RGB but both color spaces require proper color profile exporting:
Photo files: For the color space to be optimal for Artelo, photo files can be exported in Adobe RGB 1998 if the source file is in sRGB.
Digital art: For digital art created in CMYK, export using the GRACoL2006_Coated1v2 color profile. For digital art created in sRGB, export in Adobe RGB 1998.
4. What is the maximum file size allowed?
Artelo supports files up to 750 MB.
Tips for compressing large files without losing quality: Reduce file size by either using lossless compression (for TIFFs/PDFs) or reducing the dimensions while maintaining 300 DPI.
5. How do I soft proof my artwork to see what it will look like when printed?
Soft proofing is a way to preview on your screen how a print will look once it’s produced, without actually printing it. We offer a softproofing tutorial on our website that is easy to follow.
Use our ICC profiles when you want to fine-tune your artwork for the most accurate color match. Download the profile for your chosen paper type, load it into your editing software, and enable soft proofing. The softproofing tutorial linked above contains all of our ICC Profiles.
Always keep in mind that each paper type has its own look and feel. For instance:
Fine art papers: Matte/textured finish that softens colors and contrast.
Photo papers: Glossy, producing deeper blacks and vibrant colors.
Poster papers: Balanced between vibrancy and cost-effectiveness.
6. Will colors look different on different papers or products?
Yes, colors can appear differently depending on the paper or product you select. Each paper type interacts with ink in its way, affecting vibrancy, texture, and overall feel.
Poster papers tend to deliver bold, bright colors at an affordable cost, making them great for casual prints.
Fine art papers often have a more textured or matte surface, which softens the image and gives it a painterly, gallery-quality aesthetic.
Photo papers usually come in glossy or semi-glossy finishes, producing the deepest blacks and the most vibrant, high-contrast colors.
The whiteness and finish of the paper also make a noticeable difference. Bright white papers create crisper, more vivid colors, while off-white or natural-toned papers add warmth and soften the tones. Matte finishes reduce glare for a subtler look, whereas glossy finishes enhance sharpness and saturation, making colors pop.
7. Do I need a calibrated monitor?
For the most accurate color results, a calibrated monitor is recommended but not required. Calibration ensures that what you see on your screen closely matches what will be printed, helping you make informed editing decisions and avoid surprises when your artwork arrives.
At Artelo, we use spectrophotometry to precisely calibrate every paper type with its corresponding color space, ensuring that our ICC profiles provide an accurate soft-proofing preview. This allows us to create highly accurate ICC profiles for each paper, giving you a reliable soft-proofing preview when working in compatible software.
If you don’t own a calibration tool, you can still improve your setup by:
Setting your monitor’s color temperature to 6500K (neutral white)
Reducing brightness to around 100–120 cd/m²
Working in consistent, soft, neutral lighting
These adjustments won’t replace full calibration, but can help you get closer to accurate, print-ready results.
8. How should I size my file for multiple print sizes?
We generally recommend creating a separate file for each print size to ensure every version is perfectly framed and cropped.
However, if that’s not feasible, you can upload one large, high-resolution file (300 DPI at the largest size), and we’ll scale it down for smaller sizes.
Cropping considerations
Different sizes often have different aspect ratios (e.g., 8x10 vs. 24x36). If important details are near the edges, adjust your artwork for each size so nothing critical is cut off.
Aspect ratio and how we handle mismatches
Our team ensures resizing maintains composition integrity, but preparing custom crops per size is best.
9. Do I need bleed or crop marks?
We recommend that you include a ⅛" bleed on all sides of your artwork. This extra margin ensures that your design extends fully to the edges after trimming, without leaving unintended white borders. To prevent important details from being cut off, keep any critical elements (like text, logos, or signatures) at least ¼" inside the final trim area.
Note: You do not need to add crop marks or trim lines. Our production team handles all trimming internally, so you only need to provide a properly sized file with bleed included.
On the image upload page in Artelo, the red border around the canvas represents the bleed. The cut that is made will appear anywhere inside that red area.
10. Can I include borders or signatures?
Yes, but they must be part of your uploaded file. Artelo prints exactly what you submit, so if you want a border or signature, it needs to be designed into your artwork.
Guidelines for digital signatures:
Add your signature directly to the file in your editing software.
Place it well inside the safe zone (at least ¼" from the trim edge) to ensure it won’t be cut off during printing or framing.
Use a resolution that keeps the signature sharp when printed.
Guidelines for white borders & custom margins:
If you want a specific border or margin, design it at the exact final size you want printed. For example, if you want a 1" white border on an 8x10 print, your file should be 8x10 with the artwork scaled down to include the border space.
Alternatively, when uploading to Artelo, you can scale down your design within the product builder to create a white border. If your design does not cover the entire upload canvas, then nothing will be printed on the white area.
Important:
Artelo does not automatically add borders or signatures.
Be intentional about border width and placement. Thin borders may look uneven if not perfectly centered.
11. How should I name my files?
Clear, consistent file naming is one of the simplest but most effective ways to stay organized, especially when you’re managing multiple designs, formats, and sizes. A good naming system prevents confusion, speeds up uploads, and ensures you can quickly locate the right version when updating or reordering prints.
Here are some helpful tips for naming your files:
1. Include the artwork name
Start with a clear name that describes the piece. For example:
Sunset_Landscape
BotanicalPrint
AbstractSeries_No3
2. Add the print size
Always include the final print dimensions in inches. This makes it easy to match the file to the correct product listing.
Sunset_Landscape_16x20
BotanicalPrint_8x10
AbstractSeries_No3_11x14
3. Tag special variants
If you have multiple versions of the same design (like one with a border and one without, or signed vs. unsigned), add a variant tag.
AbstractArt_24x36_NoBorder.jpg
AbstractArt_24x36_WhiteBorder_Signed.jpg
4. Use underscores instead of spaces
This helps prevent upload issues and keeps your filenames clean.
5. Stay consistent
Pick a format and use it across your entire collection. For example:
[ArtworkName]_[Size]_[Variant].jpg
Example full filenames:
Sunset_Landscape_16x20_Border.jpg
BotanicalPrint_8x10_Signed.tif
Use Artelo’s folder system
When uploading designs, it’s worth taking advantage of Artelo’s folder organization to keep your files easy to find and manage. Create folders by product set, theme, collection, e-commerce listing, or project, grouping related designs together.
For example, if you’re uploading multiple sizes or variants of the same design for a gallery wall set, keep them in one folder. If you have a themed collection (like botanicals, abstracts, or seasonal artwork), group those files in their own folders as well. This approach keeps your designs organized, makes bulk updates faster, and ensures that every file is easy to locate when you need it.
An example folder structure might look like this:
/GalleryWallSet1
BotanicalPrint_8x10_Signed.jpg
BotanicalPrint_16x20_Signed.jpg
/AbstractCollection
AbstractArt_24x36_NoBorder.jpg
AbstractArt_24x36_Bordered.jpg
Pro tip: Artelo lets you upload folders in bulk inside our app. If you'd like to persist a specific folder structure, just drag them all right in.
12. Can I upload multiple versions of the same artwork?
Yes, upload alternate color treatments, crops, orientations, or series pieces as separate files. We recommend consistent file names and folder organization to keep track of your versions.
13. What’s the best way to digitize traditional artwork?
To get the best print results, start with a high-quality digital capture of your original piece. The method you choose, such as scanning or photographing, depends on the size, texture, and medium of your artwork.
Scanning vs. photographing
Scanning: Best for smaller, flat works (like drawings, watercolors, or paintings on paper). Use a professional or high-resolution flatbed scanner for the sharpest results. Scanning captures fine details and preserves edge-to-edge clarity.
Photographing: Works better for larger pieces or textured surfaces (like oil paintings on canvas). Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera mounted on a tripod to ensure stability and alignment.
Resolution & lighting
Aim for at least 300 DPI at the final print size. This ensures the reproduction maintains the detail and texture of the original.
Use even, diffused lighting to minimize glare and shadows. Avoid direct light sources that create hotspots on reflective or textured surfaces.
For photography, shoot in RAW format to maximize flexibility in post-processing.
Color correction & cleanup
Adjust white balance to accurately match the original artwork.
Use editing software to remove dust, correct uneven lighting, and fine-tune colors.
Soft proof with Artelo’s ICC profiles to preview how your digital file will translate to print and make final adjustments before uploading.
Pro tip: If you’re digitizing a series or a portfolio, maintain a consistent workflow (same lighting, settings, and calibration) to ensure uniform results across all pieces.
14. How does image placement or sizing work for mockups?
When you upload artwork to Artelo, we generate product mockups to help you preview how your designs will appear on different products.
Art placement in product mockups
Automatically centered: By default, your artwork is centered in all mockups for a clean, balanced presentation.
Scaled proportionally: We maintain your file’s aspect ratio, so your artwork isn’t stretched or distorted. If the product’s aspect ratio doesn’t match your file (e.g., uploading a square file for a rectangular frame), you’ll see padding or cropping in the preview.
Safe zones for product previews
Keep any critical elements like text, signatures, or key visual details at least ¼" inside the trim area. This ensures they’re not obscured by frame edges, mat borders, or slight adjustments during printing.
If you’re preparing artwork for gallery walls or sets, consider leaving extra safe space around key design elements so they remain visually balanced across multiple pieces.
Pro tip: Use our soft proofing tutorial and ICC profiles to adjust your artwork for specific product types and dimensions before uploading. This minimizes surprises in the final mockups.
15. How will my image appear on different products?
Your artwork will be adapted to fit the product type and presentation style you choose.
Framed vs. unframed:
Framed prints add visible borders (the frame) and depth. If a mat is included, it creates additional spacing between your artwork and the frame.
Unframed prints display the full edge-to-edge artwork without added borders or embellishments.
Gallery walls & print sets:
For gallery walls, we create curated layouts where multiple pieces work together. Your artwork may be scaled or cropped slightly to create visual balance across the arrangement.
Multi-piece print sets adapt your artwork into consistent sizing so the overall collection feels cohesive when displayed.
Matted frames:
If you select a mat, the visible artwork area becomes slightly smaller, as the mat overlays the edges of the print. This can give your work a cleaner, gallery-style look but requires accounting for the “covered” edges in your file design.
Why this matters:
Planning for these product differences (e.g., leaving extra safe space for mats) ensures your artwork maintains its intended visual impact across all formats.
16. Do you color match across products?
At Artelo, we use spectrophotometry to calibrate every paper and printer, ensuring highly accurate color reproduction across products. This means a framed fine art print and an unframed poster of the same design will be very close in appearance.
However, natural differences between paper types can create subtle variations:
Fine art papers have a textured or matte surface, which can soften contrast and make colors appear slightly more muted.
Poster papers are typically bright white and smooth, giving prints a bolder, crisper look.
Photo papers with glossy finishes deliver the deepest blacks and most vibrant saturation.
So while colors are carefully matched, the texture, whiteness, and finish of each material can influence how they are perceived.
Pro tip: If you need the closest possible color match across different product types, soft proof your files using our ICC profiles for each paper and adjust your artwork accordingly.
17. Can I update or replace my files later?
Yes, you can update or replace artwork files at any time. To replace a file, just locate the original file on the uploads page and click on the three-dot dropdown menu.
What happens when files are changed post-upload?
New orders: Updated files will be used for all orders placed after you upload the new version.
Orders in progress: Any orders already in production will continue using the file version that was active at the time of purchase.
Pro tip: If you’re making major changes to a design that’s actively selling, consider notifying your customers or updating product descriptions to avoid confusion.
18. Does Artelo offer file checking or quality review?
Yes, we provide built-in quality checks and an optional manual review service.
Automatic checks:
When you upload a file, our system scans for common issues like:
Low resolution (below 300 DPI)
Incompatible file types
Missing color profiles
If a problem is detected, you’ll receive a notification with recommendations before proceeding.
Optional manual review:
For additional peace of mind, you can request a manual file review. Our team will evaluate:
Color accuracy and profile embedding
Resolution sufficiency for selected print sizes
This service is especially helpful for large orders or high-stakes projects like gallery exhibitions.
19. What printers and inks do you use?
We use a diverse set of professional-grade printers to handle everything from fine art reproductions to large-scale poster runs.
Fine art & photo papers:
Epson SureColor P9570 with archival pigment inks. At the time of writing, we are operating an array of 10 of these printers for all of our fine art and photo papers.
This process qualifies as true giclée printing, ensuring museum-grade quality and long-lasting color stability.
Specialty & roll-to-roll printing:
Several Mimaki UCJV-300 and Canon Colorado 1650 UV printers are used for printing on our poster papers.
High-volume posters and branding:
Ricoh 7210 digital presses for cost-efficient, consistent runs. Our digital presses also print all of the branding materials.
This combination allows us to produce everything from gallery-quality fine art prints to high-volume commercial orders, all with precision and consistency.
20. Do you support transparency or vector graphics?
Handling of PNG transparency:
If you upload a PNG with transparency, those transparent areas will print as blank.
Vector files:
We do not natively print from vector formats like .AI or .SVG.
Convert these files to high-resolution raster formats (JPG, TIFF, or PDF) at 300 DPI before uploading.
Pro tip: For clean, sharp lines (especially in digital art or typography-heavy designs), ensure your exported raster file maintains sufficient resolution at the largest intended print size.
21. What is DPI? What is PPI?
Understanding these terms helps ensure your files are prepared for the best possible print quality.
DPI (Dots per Inch): Refers to the number of ink dots a printer lays down per inch. Higher DPI equals smoother gradients and sharper prints.
PPI (Pixels per Inch): Refers to the pixel density of your digital file. It determines how sharp your image appears when printed at a given size.