File Format Options

When working with digital print shops, a digital file of your image is needed for giclees. We recommend saving your digital files as medium-to-large TIFFs or high-quality, large JPEGs. These two file formats are common and work in many situations regarding art printing.

PNGs are also okay, especially if you are using transparent backgrounds. However, this format might not save a color profile without specific settings. Review the steps below to ensure you save your PNGs with their proper color profiles embedded.

In Photoshop:

Use File -> Export -> Export As-> PNG as format -> check the box for "Embed Color Profile"

or

Use File -> Save As -> PNG format -> check the box for "Save Embedded Color Profile:..."

If you want to use transparencies with TIFFs, you'll have to save them with the following settings enabled:

  • Use Photoshop's Channels panel to create or edit alpha channels.
  • Alpha channels store transparency or selection data.
  • Save the file as TIFF with spot/alpha channels enabled.

Avoid PDF, .webp, PSD, or low-res file formats when printing through The Stackhouse.

Some printshops require different settings and are open to more file formats. Before printing, it's always best to research your printer or contact us with any questions.

Protip: If you have masked your art to have a transparent background, it will use the white of the paper in that area since our printers do not have any white inks.

Flattening any multi-layered files will also remove any transparencies. In this case, setting the background color to white will mimic the output of having transparencies. 

When exporting your file, double-check the image size, resolution, and file type before sending to print. If the resolution is too small, our website will not allow you to pick an unsupported print size.

Pros and Cons


 PROS CONS
 TIFF or TIF
  •  Uses none or lossless compression
  • Large file sizes
  • Great color support
  • Maintains image quality when editing & re-saving
  • Supports transparencies
  • Hard or slow to share via web or email, due to the larger file sizes
JPEG or JPG
  • Universal compatibility
  • Good color support
  • Easy to share via web or email
  • Has to be compressed, losing image data each time it is re-saved
  • Smaller file sizes
PNG
  • Uses lossless compression
  • Supports transparencies
  • Good color support
  • Has to be saved with an RGB colorspace before printing

Flattening Layers 

When saving your file for printing, it is important to flatten or merge all visible layers. This new flattened version should be saved as a new copy in the appropriate image size, resolution, and file format for best results. Be careful not to overwrite the original file when saving a flattened image.

Flattening an image prevents inconsistencies when software reads the file's information and ensures color accuracy because different editing and printing software can handle reading layers differently. 

Embedded Color Profiles 

At The Stackhouse, our software and setup require color profiles that fit within the RGB colorspace. Our Epson printers have a wider range of colors due to their 12-ink system, which expands beyond the traditional CMYK formats. 

 

Standard profiles we recommend using:

ProPhoto RGB (larger gamut)

Adobe RGB (1998) (large gamut and commonly used)

sRGB (Safest, most monitors show this range of color)

 

Review Our File Specs for more information. 

Still unsure if you have set up your file correctly? Emails us with your images and we can take a look before printing.