From file to frame.
A practical guide to preparing a digital artwork for print, without losing the character of the original composition.
Keep an original copy
Save an untouched copy of your purchased file. If it arrives in a ZIP archive, extract the contents before opening an image. Use the supplied print file, rather than a website thumbnail or a screenshot.
Check the dimensions
Read the pixel dimensions and recommended print sizes in the listing. As a planning calculation, print width in inches equals pixel width divided by the chosen pixels per inch; multiply inches by 2.54 for centimetres. For example, 6000 pixels at 300 pixels per inch gives 20 inches, or 50.8 cm. This example is not a specification or quality guarantee for any Huali edition.
Preserve the composition
Match the paper and frame to the image ratio. Ask the printer to show you a proof before cropping. Borders can preserve a full composition; stretching an image changes its proportions. Do not assume a full handscroll and a selected passage are interchangeable.
Talk to your printer
Share the original file and ask which file format, colour profile and paper they recommend for their equipment. If a profile is embedded, keep it unless the printer asks for a conversion. Changing only a DPI label does not add image detail.
Make a small proof
Paper, ink, printer settings and screen brightness can change the appearance of colour and dark passages. A small test print helps you judge detail, contrast and paper before committing to a larger size. A matte surface may reduce glare, but the choice should be made with a sample.
Frame with care
Confirm the printed image, paper and frame opening sizes separately. Ask a framer about appropriate mounting and protection for your chosen materials. Avoid direct sunlight, moisture and heat; keep a digital backup so that losing a device does not mean losing your only copy.