How To Print Your Digital Downloadable Art How To Print Your Digital Downloadable Art

How To Print Your Digital Downloadable Art

How & Where to Print Your New Personalised Artwork

Personalised nursery art print with a green letter 'A', personalised name and a handdrawn swan - Bluish Nest Art Studio


So, your custom piece is approved, finalised, and sitting safely in your inbox! Now comes the exciting final step: bringing your high-resolution digital file to life on paper.

Because every home, budget, and frame is different, you have complete freedom over how you print your artwork. Whether you want to order online from your couch, pick up down the road, or create a high-quality fine art piece, here is your ultimate guide on where and how to print your file.

Understanding Your Digital File (Crop Marks & Bleed)

We supply both PDF and JPEG files in our Digital Downloadable product range. Our Personalised Prints can also come in as digital downloadable files - just make sure you select Digital Download as the final product before adding to checkout. 

When you download your finalised digital file, you’ll notice small corner guidelines and extra margin around the image. Don't worry—these are supposed to be there! See below image with the green arrow.

  • Crop Marks (Trim Lines): These are thin lines printed in the corners that show exactly where the paper should be cut.

  • Bleed Area: The artwork extends slightly past the final trim line. This ensures that when the print is cut down to size, there are no awkward white edges left along the sides.

Important Tip for Printers: Professional and local print shops will automatically recognise these crop marks and trim your print to the exact final frame size! If you are trimming it yourself at home, simply use a ruler and a craft knife (or paper cutter) to carefully slice along the mark lines.


1. Printing at Home (Fastest & Most Convenient)

If you own a good quality inkjet printer or dedicated photo printer, you can print your file instantly!

  • The Secret to Home Success: Avoid standard 80gsm copy paper—it absorbs the ink, leading to dull colors and wrinkled edges.

  • Paper Choice: Purchase heavyweight matte photo paper or cardstock (200gsm to 300gsm) from your local stationery store.

  • Settings: Set your print settings to "Best Quality" or "High Photo Quality" and ensure scaling is set to 100% / actual size so it fits your frame perfectly.

New Zealand Map of Animals and Icons Art Print


2. Online Print Services (Easy Doorstep Delivery)

If you prefer ordering online and having your prints delivered right to your door, web-based printers are a hassle-free choice.

  • Vistaprint: A popular option for online ordering. Upload your file, select custom wall art, poster, or card sizes, and choose a matte or premium cardstock finish for the cleanest aesthetic.

  • Snapfish: Great for affordable standard photo prints, canvas wraps, and frequent online discount promotions. This is one of my favourite and reliable online printing services.

3. Local Retailers (Budget-Friendly)

If you need a fast turnaround, want local pickup, or are on a lower budget, big-box retailers make it easy.

  • Warehouse Stationery: Head into the store to find out more information on their Fine Art printing services. They can print from A4 to A0 sizes.

  • Local Copy Shops: Most local office suppliers have digital print stations. Ask for samples of their paper weight and finishes.


Several printed animal art prints laid out on a wooden surface, including giraffes and an elephant, with small round brand stickers visible.

Safari Animals Collection

4. Specialist & Fine Art Printers (Gallery Quality)

If your print is destined for a main living area, a special gift, or a large statement frame, consider a professional fine art printer. These studios also use giclée printing (archival pigment inks) on thick cotton rag paper that won't fade over time.

A framed personalised birth baby and kids wall art print of a woodland rabbit bunny and text in pink background - Bluish Nest Art Studio

Personalised Birth Stat Art Print

Quick Cheat Sheet Before You Print

Feature

Recommendation

Why It Matters

Paper Finish

Matte, Satin, or Lustre

Highly recommended. Pure glossy paper creates distracting reflections behind glass.

Paper Weight

200gsm – 310gsm

Ensures your print stays flat in the frame without buckling.

Print Scale

100% / Actual Size

Prevents your printer from accidentally cropping or stretching the custom dimensions.


If you have any questions about your file dimensions or paper choices, just contact us!