PRINT GUIDE
Printed right, every time.
The files are ready. What follows is a matter of a few deliberate choices — paper, scale, finish. This guide covers everything you need to walk into any print shop, anywhere in the world, and leave with something worth framing.
STEP ONE
Start with the ratio, not the size.
Every Avalur print comes in six aspect ratios. The ratio determines the shape — the size follows from there. Match the ratio to your frame before you choose anything else.
2:3
The most common portrait ratio worldwide. Fits standard frames: 20×30 cm, 40×60 cm, 50×75 cm, 60×90 cm. If you have a frame and don't know the ratio — measure it. If the height is 1.5× the width, it's 2:3.
ISO A-Series
The European standard. A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 — and 50×70 cm. If you're printing in Europe and buying a frame from IKEA, H&M Home, or any local shop, this is your ratio. Always fits without trimming.
4:5
Common in US standard frames: 8×10 in, 16×20 in, 20×25 in. Also used in some European sizes. If your frame is slightly wider and shorter than A-series, this is likely the ratio you need.
3:4
A versatile mid-format ratio. Fits 30×40 cm, 45×60 cm, 60×80 cm frames — common in Scandinavian and modern European interiors. Check your frame dimensions before ordering.
11×14
A standalone US format — 11×14 inches (28×36 cm). Not derived from a standard ratio. If you have an 11×14 frame, use this file specifically. It will not fit cleanly in any other format without cropping.
1:1 Square
Perfect square. 30×30 cm, 40×40 cm, 50×50 cm. Works well in groupings, on shelves, or as a single statement piece. Square frames are widely available — verify the exact dimension before printing.
STEP TWO
What to tell the print shop.
You don't need to explain the files. You need to ask for the right settings. These are the exact words to use.
PAPER
Matte or satin photo paper, minimum 200 g/m². Matte is softer and eliminates glare — ideal for most interiors. Satin adds a subtle sheen and slightly deeper contrast. Avoid glossy — it reflects light and cheapens the result.
RESOLUTION
300 DPI — already embedded in every file. You don't need to change anything. If the print shop asks, tell them the file is 300 DPI and ready to print as-is.
COLOR PROFILE
sRGB. This is the standard for photo printing. Do not convert to CMYK — the files are optimized for sRGB output. If the print shop uses a calibrated monitor and asks about color management, tell them to use the embedded profile.
SCALING
Print at 100% to get the maximum size listed in the Size Chart — no quality is lost. If you want a smaller print, scale down freely: the file has more than enough resolution. If you want to go larger than the listed maximum, you can — at 200 DPI the size increases by roughly 1.5×, at 150 DPI by up to 2×. The difference in sharpness at normal viewing distance is minimal. The included Print Guide PDF explains what to ask for.
BORDERS
If your frame has a mat (a white border inset), print without a border — the mat creates the margin. If frameless or floating, leave a 5–10 mm white border around the image for a clean edge.
STEP THREE
Where to print.
Any professional print shop can handle these files. The JPG format is universally accepted. The PDF is ideal for print shops that prefer print-ready files.
LOCAL PRINT SHOP
The best results come from a calibrated wide-format printer at a local shop. Bring the JPG on a USB drive or send by email. Ask for the settings above. A good local printer will know exactly what to do.
ONLINE SERVICES
CEWE (Europe), Printful, Printify, Saal Digital, and WhiteWall all accept JPG files and produce high-quality results. Upload the file for your ratio, select the correct size, choose matte or satin finish.
HOME PRINTING
Use a photo inkjet printer with photo paper — minimum 200 g/m², matte or satin. Works well for smaller sizes up to A4/A3. For larger sizes, a professional printer will always deliver better results.
A NOTE ON QUALITY
The files are only the beginning.
Every file is exported at 300 DPI — the professional standard for sharp, detailed prints at any size in the Size Chart. The artwork was created at maximum resolution to ensure that what you see on screen translates precisely to paper.
A Print Guide PDF is included in every ZIP with the same information in a printable format — bring it to the shop if needed.
