Ensuring Your Poster Files Print Well
How to Make Canva Files Print-Ready (Poster Sellers, Read This)
Getting files ready for print-on-demand is simpler than it looks. If you design in Canva, follow this setup and your posters will print sharp and professional — whether you’re using PrintShrimp or any reputable print partner.
TL;DR: Fast Checklist
- Design at the final print size (correct aspect ratio)
- Target 300 DPI at the final size (see pixel table below)
- No bleed or crop marks needed for posters
- Keep key elements away from edges
- Export JPEG (High quality) in sRGB
- Keep files < 75 MB (2–25 MB typical)
- If your art came from AI, upscale before export
- Zoom to 100% — if it’s crisp on-screen, it’ll print crisp
1) Set Up Your Canva Canvas for 300 DPI
Printers care about effective DPI at the final print size (pixels per inch once printed).
Your goal: 300 DPI.
Common poster sizes → pixel targets (~300 DPI):
| Size | Pixels (W×H) |
|---|---|
| 8×10" (4:5) | 2400 × 3000 |
| 11×14" (4:5) | 3300 × 4200 |
| 12×16" (3:4) | 3600 × 4800 |
| 16×20" (4:5) | 4800 × 6000 |
| 18×24" (3:4) | 5400 × 7200 |
| 24×36" (2:3) | 7200 × 10800 |
| A4 | 2481 × 3507 |
| A3 | 3507 × 4960 |
| A2 | 4960 × 7016 |
| A1 | 7016 × 9933 |
Canva → Create a design → Custom size → enter the pixel dimensions above.
Aspect ratio matters.
Don’t stretch between ratios — A-series ≠ 4:5 ≠ 2:3. Make separate files per ratio you sell.
2) Bleed, Margins & Edges (Posters)
- No bleed or crop marks required for posters with PrintShrimp (we print border-to-border).
- Leave a few mm of breathing room — avoid tiny text or critical details at the edge.
3) Colour Settings
- Canva exports in RGB; sRGB (default) is perfect for reliable screen-to-print conversion.
- Expect minor differences vs backlit screens (especially deep blacks/greys).
4) Export Settings (Every Time)
In Canva:
- Share → Download
- File type: JPEG
- Quality: High (100)
- Size: 100% (because you already set correct pixels)
- Colour profile: sRGB (default)
Why JPEG? Small, sharp, universal. PNG offers no print advantage for posters.
File size target: < 75 MB; ideally 2–25 MB.
If too big, reduce JPEG quality slightly (90–95) or apply light compression.
5) Using AI Artwork? Upscale First
Midjourney/Sora/Stable Diffusion outputs may be too small for big prints. Upscale to hit 300 DPI at size, then place into Canva.
Reliable upscalers:
- Adobe Super Resolution
- Topaz / Pixelcut / Magnific (2×–4×)
Your aim is to match the pixel targets in the table.
6) Quality Control Before Upload
- Zoom to 100% and check edges, textures, and any text.
- Fix artifacts (banding/blockiness) before export.
- Confirm correct aspect ratio for the size you’ll print.
- Keep tiny details away from borders.
If it’s clean at 100% zoom, it will print clean.
7) DPI FAQ (Read This)
“My file info says 72/96 DPI — what now?”
Ignore that metadata tag. What matters is the effective DPI at your final print size:
DPI = pixels ÷ inches.
Examples:
- 5400×7200 px printed at 18×24" → 300 DPI (perfect)
- 1920×2560 px printed at 18×24" → ~107 DPI (too low)
Target 300 DPI. If you’re below that, either export larger, upscale, or print smaller.
Do vectors/text need 300 DPI?
No — vectors and text scale cleanly. It’s your placed raster images that need the pixels.
Final Word
For dependable print quality, aim for 300 DPI at the final size. Get your pixels right, stick with sRGB, skip bleed, and export a high-quality JPEG.
Do that, and your Canva posters will print beautifully — every time.