What’s the Difference Between Limited and Open Edition Prints?

When gearing up to print your art, it's best to consider how you want your reproductions to be offered. Two common forms of print runs are 'open' or 'limited' edition prints. Let's define them a little more:

Open Edition prints refer to prints that are not limited to the number of times they can be reproduced. Due to the infinite number of prints that can be made, these prints typically are not numbered and can be signed digitally or by hand. 

Limited Edition prints are prints that will be printed in a specific quantity. This amount can be 10, 70, or 200—it's up to the artist. However, once the number of prints is defined, it is considered a limited edition and should be numbered. The numbering and signing can be digital or by hand, too.

The Pros vs. The Cons

The unlimited supply of open editions can lower the price for your customers since they're not as restricted as limited edition prints, thus lowering your profit on them.

The higher quantity of open editions could save you money when ordering in bulk, or the freedom of not numbering can make it easier to drop ship directly to your customers. 

On the other hand, limited editions are considered exclusive, allowing artists to raise the price for each print. These prints can be seen as investments for art buyers.

However, it's recommended that limited edition prints be numbered and signed, adding an extra step to the printing process.

When to use each edition?

Knowing your audience can influence what edition you choose. Artists are not limited to only doing one type of edition for their art.

Open-edition prints are prevalent and sometimes not described as 'open edition' when marketed. If you want to keep replenishing your prints or have them always available online, then an open-edition print might be good for you.

Limited editions, which are a specialty, can still be sold online. Depending on the edition size, they can also be displayed in galleries and museums, attracting the attention of art lovers. 

When comparing the two types of prints, these are the functions we recommend them for:

Stackhouse Fulfillment Support

Our print-on-demand option is excellent for open edition prints. When placing your order, just put your customers' information in the shipping area, and we will white-label ship your selected art straight to them.

We offer bulk discounts for 10+ quantities, so browsing our prints and determining how many you want to do for a run is also an option. We recommend a one-inch border if you need extra space to sign your limited edition prints.

If you already have a custom border added, select the size and print 'borderless'—we will leave your custom border within the selected crop.

Bulk Discounts

 10% off for 10 - 49 prints 

15% off for 50 or more prints

20% off 100 or more prints

Need even more prints? Feel free to contact us with your high-volume quantity for a quot

Explore Edition Options at The Stackhouse

Whether it's a painting or a photograph, our high-quality giclee prints are an excellent source for printing your editions. Browse our free media sample set while you prepare your art, and contact us with any questions.

Retail-ready packaged or individually bagged prints add extra protection and value when selling art prints. Either selection would benefit your open or limited edition prints!