Printing your pet portrait: sizes, frames, canvas and paper explained

A digital portrait looks good on a screen, but most people want to see their pet on the wall. Printing raises a few questions about size, shape, finish and placement. This guide explains the basics in plain terms, whether you order a print from us or print a download yourself.

Resolution and DPI, simply explained

A digital image is made of pixels, and DPI (dots per inch, often used loosely to mean pixels per inch) describes how tightly they are packed on paper.

For a print you will look at up close, 300 DPI is the ideal. To work out how large a file can be printed at that quality, divide its pixel width and height by 300 to get the size in inches. For example:

• An 8 x 10 inch print at 300 DPI needs 2400 x 3000 pixels.
• An A4 print (210 x 297 mm) needs roughly 2480 x 3508 pixels.

Large prints are seen from further away, so somewhat less than 300 DPI is often acceptable on a big canvas or poster, though go too low and fur detail starts to look soft. If you print a download at home or through a local shop, check the file's pixel dimensions first. Your download link stays valid for 30 days, so save the files somewhere safe.

Aspect ratio: why the shape matters

Aspect ratio is the relationship between width and height. If the artwork's ratio does not match the print size, part of the image has to be cropped or white space added. Common ratios include:

• 4:5: 8 x 10 and 16 x 20 inches, especially popular in the US.
• 2:3: 4 x 6, 8 x 12, 12 x 18 and 24 x 36 inches, the classic photo shape.
• 3:4: 12 x 16 and 18 x 24 inches.
• A sizes: A4, A3 and A2 share a ratio of about 1:1.41 and are common in the UK.
• 1:1: square, which suits a single face or a small shelf frame.

The practical lesson is that an 8 x 10 print and an A4 print are not the same shape, so the same image crops slightly differently. Leave a little space around your pet's ears and chin, so nothing important sits right at the edge. Portrait orientation suits a single pet; landscape usually works better for groups and wider scenes.

Framed, canvas, art print or poster

Framed prints

A framed print arrives ready to hang, usually with a clear glazing layer to protect the surface. Frames suit almost any style, and they are a natural choice for detailed pieces such as an elegant gallery-style portrait or a fine pencil drawing.

Mounts

A mount (called a mat in the US) is the card border between the print and the frame. It gives the artwork breathing room, keeps the print away from the glass and makes even a modest size look more considered. If you frame a download yourself, acid-free mount board helps prevent yellowing over time, and the Fine Art Trade Guild publishes framing standards worth asking a framer about.

Canvas

A canvas is printed on textured fabric and stretched over a wooden frame, with no glass, so there is no glare. It has a painterly feel that suits oil and acrylic styles. The image often wraps around the sides, so check in the preview that your pet's ears, tail or name are not too close to the edge.

Art prints and posters

Unframed art prints and posters are the flexible option if you already have a frame or want to choose your own. Art prints are typically on heavier paper with a fine-art feel, while posters are usually lighter and simpler.

Paper finish

Matte paper has no shine, so it is easy to view from any angle and suits watercolour, pencil, charcoal and painterly styles. Gloss and satin finishes make colours look richer and suit bold styles such as pop art, but they reflect more light.

Choosing a size and a spot

Think about viewing distance. A small print works on a desk, a bedside table or a narrow wall, while above a sofa or a fireplace a larger piece holds its own. Taping a sheet of paper cut to size on the wall for a day or two is a useful test.

• Hang with the centre of the picture at roughly eye level; a common gallery rule of thumb is about 145 cm (57 inches) from the floor.
• Avoid direct sunlight, which fades inks over time.
• Keep prints away from bathrooms, radiators and anywhere with damp or strong heat.
• In a home with a climbing cat or an enthusiastic tail, hang frames securely rather than leaning them on a low shelf.

Some styles carry across a room better than others. Bold, high-contrast work such as a black and white portrait reads clearly from a distance, while a delicate watercolour rewards a closer look.

Printing at home or ordering a print

Every portrait comes with high-resolution digital files, so you can print at home or through a local printer. Alternatively, our professional print partner can produce framed prints, canvases, art prints and posters and ship them to UK and US addresses. You check the crop and text and approve a proof before paying, and tracking is emailed when the partner provides it. Our delivery page has the details.

A good print does not need to be complicated. Match the shape to the frame, give the image a little room at the edges, pick a finish that suits the style, and hang it somewhere you will see it often.