File type can feel more complicated than it needs to be, especially when you are trying to make sure your artwork prints clearly, accurately, and at the right size.
You may hear that TIFF files are better, JPEG files are compressed, or 16-bit files are more professional. There is some truth in all of that, but the practical answer is simpler: for our standard print workflow, a full-quality JPEG at the correct print size is usually exactly what we need.
The file you archive, the file you edit, and the file you send to print do not always need to be the same file.
Why We Print from JPEG Files
A high-quality JPEG is not automatically a low-quality file. JPEG problems usually come from heavy compression, repeated saving, screenshots, social media downloads, or small web exports.
A fresh, full-quality JPEG exported from a strong original file is different. If it is prepared at the final print size, it can hold the detail we need for a clean fine art print.
Why TIFF Files Are Still Worth Keeping
TIFF files are excellent master files. They can hold a lot of image information, support higher bit depth, and are helpful if you plan to edit, re-scale, or re-export your artwork later.
We encourage artists to keep TIFF files for their own archive. They are especially useful when you want flexibility for future print sizes.
What 8-Bit and 16-Bit Mean
Bit depth describes how much tonal information a file can hold. An 8-bit RGB file has 256 possible values per color channel. A 16-bit file can hold far more tonal steps, which gives you more room while editing.
This matters most before the final export, especially with soft gradients, skies, black-and-white work, subtle shadows, or major color adjustments.
Why 16-Bit Is Not Always Needed for Upload
JPEG files are 8-bit, and a well-prepared 8-bit JPEG can print beautifully. The difference is usually editing flexibility, not whether the final print can be professional quality.
If you have a 16-bit TIFF, keep it as your master. When the artwork is finished, export a fresh, full-quality JPEG for printing.
If you send us a TIFF, we can work with it, but it may be converted to JPEG for production. This keeps files manageable and avoids storing unnecessarily large files when the final print does not require that extra file weight.
Resolution Matters More Than File Type
The most important question is not just whether the file is JPEG or TIFF. The better question is whether the file has enough pixels for the size being printed.
As a general standard, we recommend preparing your file at the final print size at 300 PPI or higher. Higher PPI files are welcome too, especially for detailed artwork, but the file still needs to be sized intentionally.
- 8 x 10 inches at 300 PPI = 2400 x 3000 pixels
- 11 x 14 inches at 300 PPI = 3300 x 4200 pixels
- 16 x 20 inches at 300 PPI = 4800 x 6000 pixels
- 20 x 30 inches at 300 PPI = 6000 x 9000 pixels
Not Sure If Your File Is Big Enough?
Use our Aspect Ratio Builder to check your file before ordering. This tool can help you see whether your image has enough resolution for the print size you want, and whether your artwork fits the shape of the print without unwanted cropping.
Need to Convert a TIFF to JPEG?
If you have a TIFF file and do not know how to export it as a high-quality JPEG, you can use our White Border Builder. If you do not want a visible border, choose 0 for the border and use the tool to create a full-bleed JPEG export.
Just make sure you are starting with a high-resolution file. The tool will help show how the resolution looks before you download the final file.
Quick File Checklist
- JPEG is preferred for print production.
- TIFF files are accepted, but may be converted.
- Export at full quality, not web quality.
- Size the file to the final print dimensions.
- Aim for 300 PPI or higher at print size.
- Keep your TIFF, PSD, or other master file for your own archive.
- Use the Aspect Ratio Builder if you are unsure about size.
- Use the White Border Builder if you need a clean JPEG export or want to add border space.
Our Recommendation
Keep your TIFF files. Keep your 16-bit files. Keep your layered files, original scans, high-resolution captures, and master exports. Those are valuable files for your own archive and future flexibility.
When you are ready to print with us, send a clean, full-quality JPEG at the final print size, ideally 300 PPI or higher. That gives us what we need to produce a strong print without asking you to upload and store unnecessarily massive files.