Printing Preparation and Printing
What should the print file be like?
For a proper print, one prerequisite is a high-quality original file.
If the artwork to be printed is up to A3 size, it's recommended to send files in at least compressed JPEG format. For larger prints, it's advisable to save the source file as an 8-bit TIFF file, especially for very large artworks, in 16-bit if possible.
The larger the file and the higher the resolution, the more information we have for print preparation.
Heikki Leis
Which paper to choose?
In our everyday selection, we have papers from Canon, Hahnemühle, and Fomei - there are dozens of different options altogether.
Each paper differs in structure, tone, surface gloss, grammage, manufacturer, essence, and character from the next. Not every paper suits every picture, and some papers don't work with certain images. One photo may shine best on a metallic glossy paper, while another may only work on matte paper.
The best way to choose the most suitable paper is to pay us a visit. Arrange a time via email or phone, and we'll show you all the possible options in person.
If Tallinn is too far or you can't find free time, then send us 5 works, and we'll print them out as samples on different papers.
Print preparations
Papers and screens are inherently different. In order to make your image on paper look as close as possible to what is seen on the screen, each image requires print preparation. This primarily involves adjusting sharpness, contrast, and brightness.
Please always let us know if the sent file has been processed to appear as it should on the screen or if print preparation has been applied. By default, we assume that print preparation has not been done. 🙂
If the original medium of the image to be printed is a painting/drawing/graphics, you may consider delivering the original to us - this way we can guarantee that the colors of the print and the original are identical.
For a smooth workflow, files should be cropped to the desired aspect ratio (3:2, 4:3, 1:1, 16:9, etc.).
Whenever possible, leave the color space of the images unchanged.
Does my monitor need to be calibrated?
If you want us to see the same picture as you, then - YES!
There is no numerical standard for color reproduction, which would allow colors to be transmitted accurately at all times. Just as the colors of a printed image vary depending on the light source, each device displays colors slightly differently.
Calibration reduces differences between devices and ensures that we and you see the same result. During calibration, the correct color reproduction, brightness level, contrast, and white point of the monitor are restored.
To ensure quality, we regularly calibrate both printers and our monitors.
P.S.! For viewing prints, daylight or a proof lamp is best.
Print sizes
Our excellent printer can print on paper up to 110 cm wide, with the length determined by the size of the roll - for fine-art papers, this is usually up to 12 meters. Our largest print job so far has been 5 meters long.
Of course, we also print pictures in various sizes on sheet papers.