TL;DR
Upload a high-quality RGB JPEG, PNG, or TIFF. Supported layered TIFFs use their saved combined image for printing, with your original preserved. Transparent RGB PNGs and TIFFs are accepted. Guests and signed-in customers have the same ordering upload options.
Ready to print? Learn more about our giclée printing process and order museum-quality fine art prints.
File Format Options
When working with digital print shops, a digital file of your image is required for giclee printing. We recommend a high-quality, large JPEG for the simplest upload. TIFF and PNG files are also accepted in 8-bit or 16-bit RGB, including supported transparency. JPEG supports 8-bit RGB.
A supported layered TIFF must contain a valid saved combined image. We verify that image and prepare a separate print copy, keeping the uploaded original unchanged. We do not rebuild Photoshop layers or repair a missing combined image. Review the preview before ordering.
In Photoshop:
- Use RGB color mode and save a TIFF with its combined image, or export a JPEG or PNG. Keep your editable master file
- Embed the RGB color profile. If TIFF preparation fails, export a flattened RGB TIFF, PNG, or JPEG copy and upload that copy
PDF, WEBP, PSD, and other native project files are not accepted by the ordering uploader. Layered TIFF support applies to valid, single-image, 8-bit or 16-bit RGB composites within the upload limits: up to 1 GB, 18,000 pixels on either side, and 324 million pixels total. Choose a file with enough resolution for your print size.
Pro tip: Keep your editable master file for future changes. Transparent areas appear white in the preview. We do not print white ink, so fully transparent areas show the natural color of the paper in print. Add a background in your artwork only when that is the appearance you want.
Before printing, double-check your export settings to ensure accuracy. Verify the image size, resolution, and file type to ensure everything meets print requirements. If your file resolution is too small, our website will automatically restrict unsupported sizes.
Pros and Cons of File Formats
| Format | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| TIFF (.tif) |
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| JPEG (.jpg) |
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| PNG (.png) |
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Layered TIFFs and Flattened Copies
Flattening is optional when a supported TIFF contains a saved combined image that passes preparation and validation. Wait for preparation to finish and review the preview before ordering. If the file cannot be prepared, save a separate flattened RGB TIFF, PNG, or JPEG with the intended appearance and upload it. Keep your original master unchanged. These options apply across ordering and Library upload interfaces; standalone tools such as the Border Generator list their own format and size limits.
Embedded Color Profiles
At The Stackhouse Printery, our printers require files in an RGB color space to take advantage of our 12-ink Epson system, which offers a wider color range than traditional CMYK printers. Embedding a color profile ensures your file displays and prints accurately across different devices.
Recommended color profiles:
- ProPhoto RGB – widest color range
- Adobe RGB (1998) – large gamut and widely supported
- sRGB – safe for web previews and most monitors
For more guidance on print setup, review our Artwork Submission Guide or read our article on ICC profiles.
Still unsure if your file is ready to print? Email us your artwork and our team will review it before production.
