Printable Wall Art: How to Print, Size and Frame It Well

Printable wall art is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to bring beautiful art into your home. You buy a digital file, print it in the size you need, and frame it. But a few small choices make the difference between a print that looks homemade and one that looks like it came from a gallery.

In short: choose the file that matches your frame's ratio, print at 300 dpi on a matte or lightly textured paper (190–300 g/m²) at a local print shop for larger sizes, and frame it with a mat (passe-partout) for a professional finish.

1. Understand aspect ratios

Every frame size belongs to a "ratio" family. If the artwork and the frame share a ratio, the print fits without cropping.

2:3: 4×6 in, 8×12 in, 12×18 in, 20×30 in, 24×36 in

3:4: 6×8 in, 9×12 in, 12×16 in, 18×24 in

4:5: 8×10 in, 16×20 in, 40×50 cm

ISO (A sizes): A5, A4, A3, A2

5:7: 5×7 in, 50×70 cm

That is why our prints come in 23 sizes: so you can pick the exact file for the frame you already own.

2. Print at the right resolution

For sharp results, a print should be about 300 dpi (dots per inch) at its final size. All Ethnoscape Art files are prepared at 300 dpi, so each size prints crisply. Avoid enlarging a small file yourself, as it will look soft or pixelated.

3. Home printer or print shop?

• At home: fine for smaller sizes (up to A4 or 8×10 in) if you have a good inkjet printer and quality paper. Choose "best quality" and the correct paper type in the print settings.

• At a print shop or online lab: better for anything larger, and for the best colours. Ask for a giclée or fine-art print on matte paper, or simply a high-quality photo print.

Tip: print a small test first. Colours can look slightly different on paper than on a bright screen.

4. Choose the paper

• Matte fine-art paper (190–300 g/m²): soft, no glare, perfect for calm, textured art.

• Lightly textured cotton paper: a beautiful, painterly feel.

• Satin or lustre photo paper: a little sheen, rich colour.

• Gloss: avoid for wall art in most rooms, as it reflects light.

5. Framing for a gallery look

• Use a mat (passe-partout). A wide white or cream border instantly makes a print look more expensive. For example, a 12×16 in print in an 18×24 in frame with a mat.

• Pick simple frames. Thin black, natural oak or walnut frames suit most art. Keep frames consistent on a gallery wall.

• Consider glass. Acrylic is lighter and safer for large frames; anti-reflective glass is lovely in bright rooms.

• Handle with care. Let the ink dry fully before framing, and touch the print only at the edges.

6. Hanging

Hang art so its centre is about 145–150 cm from the floor, a little lower above a sofa or bed, with about 20–25 cm between the furniture and the bottom of the frame.

A licence note

When you buy printable art, you are buying a licence to print it for your own personal use, not to sell the prints or the file. Check the licence that comes with your download.

Ready to print

Every print in our Shop comes as an instant download with 23 print-ready sizes at 300 dpi and a Start Here guide that explains which file to use for which frame. Find a piece you love in the Gallery, choose your size, and give your walls a fresh look this weekend.

Our artworks are designed with digital tools, including AI, then curated and prepared for print by Ethnoscape Art.