TIFF is the professional standard for print because it supports lossless compression and preserves every pixel. High-quality JPEG at 95-100% quality is also acceptable for most print shops. PNG works well for graphics with transparency. Avoid WebP for print — it is designed for web use and may not be accepted by all print services. When submitting files, check with your print provider for their preferred format. Our Image Converter can create TIFF versions from any source format.

Print uses CMYK color mode, while screens use RGB. Most print shops prefer images in RGB format and handle the CMYK conversion themselves using their specific printer profiles. If you are designing in Photoshop or similar software, work in Adobe RGB or sRGB color space. Avoid converting to CMYK yourself unless you have a specific printer profile — amateur CMYK conversions often result in dull, inaccurate colors. Always request a proof print for color-critical projects.

For print materials that extend to the edge of the paper (business cards, flyers, posters), you need bleed. Bleed is extra image area that extends beyond the final trim line, typically 1/8 inch (3mm) on each side. This ensures no white edges appear after trimming. Also maintain a safe area inside the trim line where no critical text or important image elements should be placed. Our Image Cropper can help you set up exact dimensions including bleed.

Business cards: 3.5x2 inches plus bleed, 300 DPI minimum. Flyers: 8.5x11 inches, 300 DPI. Posters: 18x24 inches at 150-300 DPI depending on viewing distance. Photo prints: 4x6, 5x7, 8x10 at 300 DPI. Canvas prints: often printed at 150 DPI since texture hides minor pixelation. Always confirm specifications with your print provider before submitting. Use our Image Resizer to create exact pixel dimensions for any print size.

Before submitting to a print service, flatten all layers and remove any transparency if the format does not support it. Embed color profiles when possible. Check that your image is in the correct orientation. Name your file descriptively including dimensions and format. Keep a master copy in TIFF or maximum-quality JPEG. If printing photos, consider slight sharpening before submission since print tends to soften images slightly compared to screen display.