When you are preparing to print your artwork, one of the biggest decisions is how you plan to offer your reproductions. Two of the most common print types are open edition and limited edition prints. Each offers distinct advantages depending on your goals, audience, and sales channels. This guide breaks down what each edition type means, their pros and cons, and how to decide which is right for your work.
What Are Open and Limited Edition Prints?
Open Edition Prints
Open edition prints can be produced an unlimited number of times. These prints are typically not numbered and may be signed either digitally or by hand. Because there’s no cap on how many can be printed, open editions are often priced lower and stay available indefinitely—making them perfect for consistent online sales or print-on-demand fulfillment.
Limited Edition Prints
Limited edition prints are produced in a fixed quantity chosen by the artist—such as 10, 50, or 200 copies. Once the full edition is sold, no more prints should be made. These editions are typically numbered and signed to confirm authenticity and rarity, which can make them more valuable to collectors and galleries.
Pros and Cons of Each Edition Type
| Edition Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Open Edition |
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| Limited Edition |
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For more details on adding authenticity to your editions, read our article on digital vs hand signing prints.
When to Choose Each Edition Type
Artists often use both open and limited editions strategically, depending on the piece and audience. Open editions are ideal for continuous sales and broad accessibility, while limited editions cater to collectors seeking exclusivity and investment potential.
When to Offer Open Editions
- You sell through your website or online marketplaces.
- You want to keep a design available year-round.
- You prefer to streamline fulfillment through print-on-demand.
- You want affordable options that encourage impulse buys or repeat orders.
When to Offer Limited Editions
- You plan to sell through galleries, exhibitions, or art fairs.
- You want to increase the perceived value and scarcity of your work.
- You are targeting serious collectors or investors.
- You want to release special or commemorative prints tied to an event or collection.
Edition Use Guide
| Setting or Sales Channel | Best Edition Type |
|---|---|
| High-traffic retail or gift shops | Open Edition |
| Art galleries or museums | Limited Edition |
| Art fairs and markets | Both |
| Online stores and drop shipping | Open Edition |
| Collector’s releases and auctions | Limited Edition |
Stackhouse Fulfillment Options
At The Stackhouse, our print-on-demand fulfillment makes offering open edition prints simple. Just enter your customer’s shipping details when you place the order, and we will print, package, and ship it directly to them using white-label packaging.
If you plan to offer limited editions, we recommend adding a 1-inch border for hand signing and numbering. For artists who already include a border in their design file, select the “borderless” option when ordering—this ensures your existing margins remain intact.
Bulk Discount Structure
Bulk pricing makes it easy to manage edition runs and inventory. Discounts apply automatically at checkout:
- 10% off for 10–49 prints
- 15% off for 50–99 prints
- 20% off for 100+ prints
Need larger runs? Contact our team for a custom quote or specialty project consultation.
Preparing Editions for Print
Whether you are printing a painting, photograph, or mixed media piece, our Giclée Fine Art Prints deliver museum-quality reproductions with rich color and detail. You can also request a Free Media Sample Set to preview paper textures and finishes before ordering your first run.
If you plan to sell packaged or framed prints, consider Retail-Ready or Bagged Prints for professional presentation and protection during shipping or events.
Final Thoughts
Both open and limited edition prints serve valuable roles in an artist’s business. Open editions help you grow reach and revenue through accessibility and volume, while limited editions add prestige and exclusivity that attract collectors. Many artists use a combination of both, balancing broad appeal with high-end offerings.
Ready to print your next edition? Explore Giclée Fine Art Prints for professional quality, order your Free Media Sample Set to compare papers, or contact our team for help planning your print editions.
