Print Formats: What They Mean and How to Choose

Choosing the right medium for your next photo project is a big decision — it plays a pivotal role in making sure your photos look their best. Whether you’re printing a cherished wedding photo, an unforgettable moment from a family vacation, or a collection for your next art exhibition, every detail shapes how your photos look and feel.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through our most popular photo printing formats, explore what makes each one unique, and share a few of our favorite ways to display them around your home.

A hand holding a stack of three 4x6 prints. The top print features a photo of a couple and their three kids dressed up and standing in the middle of a city street.

PHOTO PRINTS

Our bestseller from the very beginning, Photo Prints bring your memories to life with accurate color, true-to-life skin tones, and exceptional saturation. From archival papers and inks to our cutting-edge professional printers, every print is color-checked, processed, and packaged by our in-house experts. Available in a wide range of standard sizes from wallets to 24x36” with premium add-ons like Lustre coating, acid-free mats, and framing.

Offered in E-Surface (semi-gloss) and Metallic papers with a standard archival value of 100 years in home display or 200 years in dark storage.

Best for: Photo albums, scrapbooks, and framing.

An 8x10 giclee photo print set on a dark wood table featuring a family of four standing on a walkway surrounded by lush green plants and trees.

GICLEE PRINTS

With precision inkjet technology and seven dye-based inks, Giclee Prints are the latest great advancement in printing technology. Perfect for large format and fine art printing, each print touts pinpoint accuracy and jaw-dropping color on your choice of archival papers. This medium allows you to print larger (up to 30x40”) than our standard Photo Prints and offers a wider variety of unique finishes.

Available in Fine Art, Black and White, Semi Gloss, High Gloss and Deep Matte papers. For more details on our range of photo and giclee paper types, have a look at this informative guide.

Recommended for: Large scale photo printing, landscape photography, and photos from your phone.

Three individual, cellophane wrapped stacks of signature photo prints. Each is a different size print. The photo seen on top is of a little girl in a hat and coat out in the snow.

SIGNATURE PRESS PRINTS

Celebrate life’s little moments with our team favorite Signature Press Prints. Crafted on FSC certified press paper with 30% recycled contents, these prints have a noticeably heavier feel than traditional prints and include an optional white border for added elegance. Available in six sizes and sold in sets of 10, 25, and 45.

Ideal for: Displaying on a coffee table, printing photos from your camera roll, or mailing to friends and loved ones.

An up close shot of the corner of a canvas print hanging on the wall. The print features two sisters standing by a magnolia tree.

CANVAS PHOTO PRINTS

The subtle woven texture of our Canvas Prints brings a timeless gallery feel to your favorite photos. Artfully constructed with a poly-cotton blend canvas and expertly wrapped around a stretcher frame, the added depth (1.5”) provides a high-end look that seamlessly blends in with most home decorations.

Why we love them: Lightweight and easy to hang decor option that brings an elevated gallery aesthetic to your walls. No distracting glare so they look beautiful from any angle.

Hands hanging a metal print on the wall. The metal print features a young couple and their three kids standing outside in front of a white wall covered in vines.

METAL PHOTO PRINTS

A sleek accent featuring bold color and remarkable detail, our Metal Photo Prints are lightweight and extremely durable. Printed on a thin aluminum surface treated with a special coating, your photo is transferred with an industrial heat press. Offered in a wide range of sizes (4x4” to 40x60”) with premium add-ons like framing and wooden display stands to match your style.

Available in Glossy and Matte finishes with an easel or float mount for display.

Helpful suggestion: Suitable for high-humidity areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Since photos are infused into the aluminum (dye sublimation), the prints are ultra-resistant to moisture. (Not recommended for outdoor display)

Now you're ready to start printing.

What's The Right Format For Me?

What's the difference between a photo print and a giclee print?

Photo Prints use traditional silver halide printing on E-Surface or Metallic paper, while Giclee Prints use precision inkjet technology on a wider range of archival papers. Giclee prints can go larger (up to 30x40") and offer more finish options. See our Guide To Photo Paper Types for more detailed information on all the photo paper types we offer.

What's the best format for a large statement piece?

Our stunning Giclee Prints and Metal Prints both offer large-format sizing — Giclee up to 30x40" and Metal up to 40x60".

What print format works best for a gallery-style look without glare?

Canvas Prints have a woven texture with no reflective glare, so they look good from any angle — a popular choice for a gallery aesthetic.

Which print format is best for a bathroom or kitchen?

Metal Photo Prints are a great choice for high-humidity areas. Since the image is infused into the aluminum through dye sublimation, they're ultra-resistant to moisture. Metal Prints are not recommended for outdoor display.

Still have questions? Reach out to our team via online chat and we’ll provide further assistance.