Frequently Asked Questions

Giclée Printing

  • DIGITAL ART: How do I export or save my file for printing?

    • Resolution - Native resolution or 400dpi to print size
      If you have a raster file, please export at the native resolution your file is set at. If it is a vector, please export at 300dpi to size (ex: 8x10inches w/ 300dpi)

      If you’re using procreate or something similar, you may use the print size you’re aiming for and set the resolution at 150-300 dpi. The higher the dpi the more demanding the file will be for your iPad. (ex 8x10inches w/ 150dpi, 10x15inches w/ 150dpi, etc.)

    • Color space - AdobeRGB, P3, or ProphotoRGB
      Please export at either AdobeRGB, P3, or ProphotoRGB. If options aren’t avialable, sRGB is ok. We highly recommend artists to work in AdobeRGB workspace from the start to maintain a wider range and high saturation of colors compared to sRGB.

    • Bit Depth - 16bit > 8bit
      16bit is preffered but 8bit is ok. If you’re already done with an artwork, making it 16bit afterwards wont make a difference, unlike working with 16bit from the start. This also affects the color and tonal gradient quality.

    • File Format - PSD > TIFF > JPG/PNG
      We highly recommend having your files in either PSD or TIFF. These file formats allow the least amount of compression. The more compression the file has, the more it can develop artifacts which are shown as blocky pixelation, which will definitely show up on the final print.

  • PHOTOGRAPHY: How do I export or save my file for printing?

    • Resolution - Native resolution
      Please export at the native resolution your file is set at after cropping. You will also be able to see the native DPI of your file to gauge the acuity of the final print. A resolution of 200dpi is the average quality, while 250dpi to 300dpi is a high quality file. If you are new to printing, avoid excessive sharpening. It’s best to send unsharpened photographs for printing.

    • Color space - AdobeRGB, P3, or ProphotoRGB
      Please export at either AdobeRGB, P3, or ProphotoRGB. If options aren’t avialable, sRGB is ok. We highly recommend artists to work in AdobeRGB workspace from the start to maintain a wider range and high saturation of colors compared to sRGB.

    • Bit Depth - 16bit > 8bit
      16bit is preffered but 8bit is ok. If you’re already done with an artwork, making it 16bit after wont make a difference, unlike working with 16bit from the start. This also affects the color and tonal gradient quality.

    • File Format - PSD > TIFF > JPG/PNG
      We highly recommend having your files in either PSD or TIFF. These file formats allow the least amount of compression. The more compression the file has, the more it can develop artifacts which are shown as blocky pixelation, which will definitely show up on the final print.

  • Do you offer test prints?

    • Yes, test prints are billed to cost of materials which is about half the price of our print fee. Test prints have a specific layout on a 17x8 inch sheet; a small size full image and beside it is a full size cropped image. This allows you to see the color rendition and expected sharpness.

  • Do we get to keep the print files?

    • Yes! By default we don’t send it as most print files aren’t exactly interchangeable to other printers—especially with differing kinds of printing processes, printer brands, and paper types. If we had to alter the tonality of your files for printing, and you think it will be beneficial for you to have a copy, just let us know.

  • Do you have walk-ins?

    • No, we don’t allow walk-ins. Only scheduled visits.

  • How do you ship prints?

    • Local - Grab Express or LBC

    • International - DHL

    • We ship prints in a flat cardboard folder wrapped in plastic sleeves. For international shipping, we can ship in tubes or plywood reinforced corrugated sandwich to avoid bending and tearing.

  • How fast is your turn-around time?

    • From the time you inquire or fill up the order form, to settling the invoice we send, it takes about 2-5 working days (excluding weekends). Most of the time spent is put into any changes and test prints that will be needed. If you have a sizeable amount of prints (around 30 or more prints), it can take longer. For a more accurate assessment, please fill-up our order form.

    • Framed prints take 1-3 weeks to finish, depends on the workload.

    • For return customers, especially with the same files, it can be as quick as 1-2 days after settling the invoice.

  • Does it need to be the same image for an A4 or A5 set?

    • You can have different images per A4 or A5 print.

    • The minimum we set is to avoid paper wastage, as the smaller sizes (A4, A5) are all cut from an A3 sheet, and the machine can/will have problems with feeding papers the smaller the sheet size is.

  • Do you offer framing of prints?

    • Yes we do offer framing, please head to our Archival Framing page for more info.

  • How big can my file be printed?

    • You can send us the image and we’ll let you know how big it can be printed. Send a Google Drive link in our order form or email it to hello@Gentaartprints.com

  • Can you recommend a size and paper type for my artwork?

    • Yes, let us have a look at the image and let us know your final output (i.e., art exhibit, edition prints, personal display, etc.)

  • Do you edit images before printing?

    • Yes we do edit images before printing if needed. We will inform you if there will be any changes done with the file, especially if it’s a drastic change, to confirm if you’re ok with the changes. Editing and publishing works for screen or off-set printing is very different for giclée printing.

    • If you have printed the actual file before, please let us know what paper and printer was used if you remember.

  • Do you have “bulk order” prices?

    • Yes, please fill up our order form so we can send you adjusted rates.

Art Reproduction

  • Will I receive a copy of the digital file?

    • Yes! Absolutely, that is part of the service. We do say that one of the purposes of art reproduction is Giclée printing, but some use it for printing books, online exhibits, portfolios, etc.

  • How fast is your turn around time?

    • It’s highly dependent on the artwork you’ll have us work on, but on average it’ll be 3-7 days. Reflective artworks or ones with gold/silver leaf will take longer. Some colors change dramatically when photographed so we’ll have to take our time editing and matching the file to the original artwork.

  • How long is the photography on-location?

    • Photography can take from 2-6 hours, depending on the volume of artworks and kinds of images you want. The more complicated the artwork, the more attention to detail we’ll have to give—which will take longer. We only work for 6-8 hours a day, so larger amounts of artworks will need to be photographed on multiple days.