Cropping is one of those steps that feels simple until you try to fit your 8x10 painting into a 12x18 print. Adjusting your artwork for different print sizes is part math, part composition, and part creative decision making. Here’s how to do it right so every print looks intentional and balanced.
Why Cropping Matters
Each print size has its own aspect ratio — the relationship between width and height.
- 5x7 has a 5:7 ratio
- 8x10 has a 4:5 ratio
- 12x18 has a 2:3 ratio
If your original artwork doesn’t match a specific ratio, you will either trim part of the image (crop) or add borders to maintain composition. The goal is to preserve your work’s visual balance, not to force it into every frame size.
Want a deeper look at how aspect ratios affect your file setup? Check out our Fine Art Printing Guide.
Step 1: Understand Your Original Aspect Ratio
Before you resize or crop, figure out the ratio of your original piece. Divide the longest side by the shortest side. For example:
18 ÷ 12 = 1.5 → your artwork has a 3:2 aspect ratio
Once you know that, choose print sizes that share or come close to that ratio. Matching ratios helps avoid unwanted cropping altogether.
Not sure how to measure your work for printing? See our tips on preparing artwork files for print.
Step 2: Choose Print Sizes That Complement Your Work
If you offer multiple print sizes, pick a set that keeps ratios consistent. This lets you crop once and reuse the file for all sizes in that family.
- 4:5 ratio: 8x10, 11x14, 16x20, 24x30
- 3:2 ratio: 6x9, 12x18, 20x30, 24x36
- Square: 8x8, 12x12, 20x20
For help picking print sizes that sell well, read our Art Print Size Guide.
Step 3: Decide Between Cropping or Borders
Option 1 — Crop Strategically
- Keep key focal points centered
- Avoid cutting off signatures or major elements
- When capturing your piece, include a little extra space so you have room to crop later
Option 2 — Add Borders
- Add a white or colored border to preserve your entire composition
- Great for watercolor and illustration prints
- At The Stackhouse you can request ¼ inch or 1 inch borders when ordering for an easy, clean solution
If you’re curious about border options, visit our Mounted Prints and Gallery Wraps pages to see how borders affect the final presentation.
Step 4: Preview Before You Print
If you are ordering through The Stackhouse, use the crop tool preview during upload to see exactly how your file will print at each size. Adjust the crop box so it frames your composition naturally.
If you are setting up your own print files in Photoshop or Procreate:
- Create a new canvas at your print size and DPI (300 DPI recommended)
- Place your artwork layer inside
- Resize or reposition as needed within the frame
Save each file with the size in the name to stay organized. Example: ArtworkName_8x10.tif
Pro Tip: Keep a Master File
Always keep one full resolution master scan — uncropped and unedited. You can export new ratios later without degrading quality. Stackhouse scans are delivered with extra margin for this exact reason. Learn more about our scanning process in Stackhouse Scanning Services.
Final Thoughts
Cropping does not have to be stressful. It is about maintaining your creative intent while adapting your art for new formats. By choosing smart size families, previewing carefully, and keeping a high resolution master, you can offer a full range of print sizes without compromising your vision.
Ready to print? Upload your artwork and explore your print options with The Stackhouse. Our team will ensure your artwork looks its best at any size.
