Printing Guide
From digital file to a small work of art.
You have chosen your illustration. Now it's time to bring it to life.
Our prints are designed for you to print them in the way that suits you best: at home, at a copy shop, or at a professional printing studio.
Here you will find everything you need to achieve a beautiful, sharp result that is true to the original illustration.
Before printing
Before sending your file to print, there are three things you need to decide:
Where you will print it
At home for a simple and quick option, at a copy shop for a practical result, or at a professional lab for a more refined finish.
What paper you want to use
The paper plays a leading role in the final result. Its texture, weight, and finish can completely change how colors and details are perceived.
What size you need
Choose the format considering the space where you will place the print and the frame you want to use.
Print at home
A good option if you want to have your print ready in just a few minutes.
Use a quality printer and suitable paper for artistic printing. Before printing the final version, we recommend doing a small test to check the colors and framing.
Print at a copy shop
A simple and economical alternative, especially if you need large sizes or don't have a suitable printer at home.
Bring the original file and specify that you want to print it at actual size, without automatic adjustments that could crop or modify the proportions.
Professional printing
If you are looking for a more artistic finish, you can go to a lab or studio specialized in photographic and fine art printing.
It’s a good option for illustrations you want to preserve for a long time or to create a particularly special piece.
02 — Choose the paperThe paper can completely transform an illustration.
For Lumielle prints, we mainly recommend high-quality matte papers, as they reduce glare and allow for better appreciation of the details in our illustrations.
Matte paper
Our favorite option.
Its smooth, non-glossy finish gives an elegant and sophisticated appearance, especially suitable for delicate illustrations.
Art paper
If you want a more special result, you can choose fine art paper with a subtle texture.
The texture adds depth and makes the print look closer to a piece of art.
What about photographic paper?
It can also be used, although the glossy finish may change the feel of the illustration and produce glare.
For the Lumielle universe, we prefer a matte and natural finish.
03 — Choose the sizeBefore printing, check the size of the frame you will be using.
If you already have a frame, the easiest thing is to choose a print that fits its dimensions.
If you don't have a frame yet, you can first choose the illustration and then decide what size works best in your space.
Tip: always measure the available space before printing.
Check our size guide →
04 — Set up the printWhen you go to print, always select, if possible:
Size: the final size you want to achieve.
Scale: 100% or actual size.
Orientation: vertical or horizontal depending on the illustration.
Quality: the highest quality available.
Color: use the color settings recommended by your printer or printing service.
Avoid options like “fit to page” if they may alter the proportions of the file.
05 — Do a testBefore printing multiple copies, do a test.
Colors may look slightly different depending on the screen, printer, and paper used.
A small test will allow you to check:
That the size is correct.
That no part of the illustration has been cropped.
That the colors look as you expected.
That the chosen paper works well with the design.
Once you are happy with the result, you can print the final version.
What is the best option?For something quick:
Printing at home.
For a simple and economical result:
Copy shop.
For a more artistic finish:
Professional printing on fine art paper.
There is no single correct way to print a print. The important thing is to find the combination of paper, size, and finish that best fits you and your space.
After printing...All that’s left is to find a place for it.
Combine your print with a simple frame, create a composition with several illustrations, or leave it propped up on a shelf.
The same illustration can feel completely different depending on how you present it.
Discover how to choose your frame →
One last recommendation
Always keep your original digital files in a safe place.
This way, you can access them again when you need to and preserve your purchase for a long time.
Your illustration. Your space. Your way of making it yours.