When creating a print product, one of the most common questions is: "What size should my artwork file be?" This confusion often arises because traditional printing requires you to add extra dimensions for bleed and borders, but Printumo works differently.
Printumo automatically handles canvas wrapping and borders, you don't need to add extra bleed or manually resize your files. Your artwork will not be upscaled if you provide the correct dimensions.
Product Dimensions vs. File Dimensions
The product dimension (e.g., 30×30 cm) refers to the size of the visible front face of your finished print. This is what you'll see when looking at your canvas or poster from the front.
For your artwork file:
Upload your file at the product dimensions (30×30 cm requires a 30×30 cm file)
Use 150 DPI for canvas prints (not 300 DPI)
Use 300 DPI for poster prints
Don't worry about manual calculations - when you upload your file to Printumo, our platform automatically checks if your file meets the resolution requirements and notifies you if adjustments are needed.
How Canvas Wrapping Works
Canvas prints are stretched over a wooden frame, which means the image extends around the edges (called "gallery wrap" or "canvas wrap"). Here's what Printumo does automatically:
Your 30×30 cm file becomes the front face of the canvas
Printumo adds approximately 3.8 cm (1.5 inches) of wrap on all sides
You choose how the edges wrap during product creation
Canvas Wrap Options
When you create your product, you'll select one of these wrap styles:
Mirrored edges (most popular)
The edges of your image are mirrored and extended around the canvas sides
Creates a seamless, professional look
No distortion or image cropping
Best for most artwork types
Stretched edges
Your entire image is stretched to wrap around the canvas edges
The center remains on the front face, edges extend to the sides
May result in some edge distortion
Ensures no image content is duplicated
Solid color edges
The canvas sides are filled with a solid color of your choice
The front face shows your exact image
Clean, minimalist appearance
Ideal for images with important content near the edges
Important: You don't need to prepare your file for wrapping. Upload your artwork at the product dimensions, and Printumo handles the wrap automatically based on your selection.
Do I Need to Add Bleed?
Short Answer: No
Unlike traditional print services, Printumo does not require you to add bleed to your artwork files.
Traditional printing often requires "bleed" (extra image area beyond the final dimensions) because the printer cuts the paper after printing, and needs margin for error. You might be used to adding 2-3mm of bleed on all sides.
With Printumo:
Canvas prints: No cutting happens - the canvas is stretched over a frame
Poster prints: Printed to exact dimensions without cutting
The wrap is added digitally using your chosen wrap style
This means uploading a file larger than the product dimensions won't improve quality - it will simply be resized to fit.
Will My Artwork Be Upscaled?
Your artwork will NOT be upscaled if:
Your file dimensions match or is bigger than the product dimensions (30×30 cm file for 30×30 cm product)
Your file meets the minimum DPI requirements (150 DPI for canvas, 300 DPI for posters)
Your artwork WILL be resized if:
Your file is larger than needed - it will be scaled down (no quality loss)
Your file is smaller than needed - it will be scaled up (potential quality loss)
Printumo's platform tells you immediately after upload if your file resolution is too low, so you'll always know before proceeding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the Wrong DPI
Mistake: Using 72 DPI (web resolution) or unnecessarily high DPI (600 DPI)
Why it's wrong: 72 DPI will look blurry when printed. 600 DPI creates huge files without visual benefit.
Correct approach: Use 150 DPI for canvas, 300 DPI for posters.
Adding Manual Bleed
Mistake: Extending your image by 2-3mm on all sides like traditional printing requires
Why it's wrong: Printumo doesn't use bleed - it uses wrap styles that are applied automatically.
Correct approach: Upload your image at exact product dimensions and choose a wrap style.