Preparing a canvas print file
Match the visible size, pixel dimensions, crop and wrap allowance to the right order. Includes a free calculator and production handoff checklist.
Nino Canvas · Seller guide · Published
A product preview shows what a customer ordered. The production file must also tell the printer how large to print it and what should happen at the edges. Check those decisions before approving the job; a filename such as “final.jpg” does not identify the order, crop or size.
1. Separate the visible size from the full print area
Start with the finished size selected by the customer, the orientation and the format: rolled, stretched or framed. A 50 × 70 cm front face is not necessarily a 50 × 70 cm production file. Wrapped canvas may need additional image area for the sides and fastening; the required allowance comes from the producer’s template.
For example, adding 4 cm on every edge to a 50 × 70 cm visible face gives a 58 × 78 cm file area. This is an arithmetic example, not a standard wrap specification. Ask the producer whether their allowance already includes trimming or fastening so you do not count it twice.
2. Check pixel dimensions at the intended print size
Pixel dimensions and the chosen physical size determine pixel density. A file that looks sharp in a small preview can be insufficient when printed larger. Changing a resolution label alone does not recover missing image detail. Inspect the actual artwork and agree on the target PPI with the producer.
Print pixel size calculator
Enter the visible size, add any allowance requested by your printer, then choose the target resolution. 300 PPI is an example, not a requirement for every canvas.
Formula: (size + 2 × edge allowance) ÷ 2.54 × PPI for cm; omit ÷ 2.54 for inches. Values round up to whole pixels. Changing the unit keeps the numbers you entered.
Without extra allowance, a 50 × 70 cm image at 300 PPI requires approximately 5,906 × 8,268 pixels when rounding up. At 150 PPI, it requires 2,953 × 4,134 pixels. Neither value guarantees print quality: the source detail, enlargement, viewing distance and production method still matter.
3. Approve the crop and the edges
Compare the file with the ordered orientation and aspect ratio. A 2:3 image placed on a 5:7 canvas needs a crop or another layout decision. Inspect faces, signatures and text near the edge. For wrapped products, confirm whether the side should use extended artwork, a mirrored edge or a solid colour. Keep the approved front-view preview with the order.
4. Deliver an identifiable file
- Use the producer’s requested format and colour profile; confirm these before export.
- Record the visible size, full print area and allowance separately.
- Give each order item its own file reference, especially when sizes differ.
- Use an explicit version such as ORDER-123_item-2_50x70cm_v03; retain the original source separately.
- Make clear which version is approved and whether production has started before replacing a file.
An order with two canvas sizes
Suppose one order contains a 30 × 40 cm rolled print and a 50 × 70 cm framed canvas using the same artwork. Create two item records with their own approved crop, dimensions and file. A shared product image should not make both items point to the same production file without checking the specifications.
In Nino Canvas, keep the print file, size, frame choice and production note together in canvas production tracking. Once production is ready, continue with the packing and shipping checklist.
Reference
Adobe: setting image size and resolution explains the relationship between pixels, print size and resampling. The checklist above applies those concepts to order preparation; your producer’s file specification takes precedence.