WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE CREATING AND PRINTING A DIGITAL ARTWORK?

If you want to display or sell your lovely digital artwork, Printing Digital Art right at home is your solution. If you're a digital artist, you must print out your work in order to display or sell it. For the sake of your artistic reputation, make sure that your work prints out professionally. Prepare your artwork for printing first. To give the photograph the best professional appearance, you should modify the resolution, sharpness, and contrast. Your artwork will look more professional if you use the correct materials. Your digital art will seem professional if you use pigment-based inks and high-quality paper in a professional printer.

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Remember these steps below:

1. Set Your Color Profile to CMYK:

   Always set your digital artwork's color profile to CMYK before printing. Unlike the RGB profile (used for digital screens), CMYK is the standard for printing. CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black), which are the primary inks used in color printing. This setting ensures accurate color reproduction in the final print
   

   

   Colour Profile on Procreate

2. Choose a High Resolution: 400 DPI Setting your print resolution to at least 400 DPI (Dots Per Inch) is crucial for high-quality prints. DPI indicates how many dots of ink are used per inch of the printed image. A higher DPI provides more detail, making your artwork look sharp and vibrant.

3. Save in TIF Format for Maximum Quality When saving your digital artwork, opt for the TIF (Tagged Image File Format). TIF files retain high-quality details and support layers, making them ideal for printing purposes. Unlike JPEGs, they do not compress the image, preserving all the intricate details of your artwork.

4. Use Archival and Acid-Free Paper Choosing the right paper is as important as setting up your file. Opt for archival, acid-free paper to prevent yellowing and degradation over time. This type of paper is designed to last longer and is perfect for prints that are meant to be displayed or sold as high-quality art pieces.

5. Select the Right Coated Paper Coated papers come with finishes like glossy, semi-gloss, or matte. For digital art, glossy finishes can enhance color vibrancy, while matte is ideal for a softer, non-reflective look, especially when framing with glass. Coated paper limits ink absorption, preventing smudging and enhancing print longevity. Bonus SD Tip: Use matte paper when framing your artwork with glass to reduce glare and reflection. Opt for glossy paper when you prefer a vibrant, glass-free presentation.
   

6. Print with Pigment-Based Inks Pigment-based inks are your best bet for long-lasting and fade-resistant prints. Unlike dye-based inks, which tend to fade quickly, pigment-based inks offer superior durability and color stability, making them ideal for professional-quality digital art prints.

   
   

   By following these steps, you can ensure that your digital artwork prints with the highest quality, maintaining its vibrancy and detail. Whether you're selling your prints or displaying them at home, these tips will help you produce professional and stunning digital art prints.