When preparing artwork for professional printing — especially Giclée printing — one of the most common questions we get is:
“What file format should I send?”

There are several options, but not all file formats are created equal. Using the wrong one can lead to colour shifts, loss of quality, or unexpected print results. In this guide, we’ll explain the key differences between JPEG, TIFF, and PDF formats, and help you choose the right one for your next print project.

🎯 Why File Format Matters in Printing

Your file format affects:

  • Print quality

  • File size and transfer

  • Colour management

  • Compatibility with printers and RIP software

Even if your artwork looks perfect on screen, the file format can make or break the final print.

📁 File Format Overview

Let’s break down the most common formats used in professional art and photo printing.

🖼️ 1. TIFF (.tif)

Best For: High-resolution artwork and photography
Ideal for Giclée printing? ✅ Yes

TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) is the gold standard for professional printing. It’s a lossless format, which means it retains every bit of detail and colour from your original artwork — no compression, no degradation.

Pros:

  • No compression = maximum quality

  • Supports layers and transparency (like PSD)

  • Excellent colour fidelity

  • Fully compatible with colour profiles (e.g., AdobeRGB, sRGB)

Cons:

  • Large file size

  • Not ideal for web use

🧠 Giclée UK Tip: If you’re scanning or exporting from Photoshop, we recommend sending TIFF files whenever possible.

📸 2. JPEG (.jpg)

Best For: Quick previews, smaller web-ready files
Ideal for Giclée printing? ⚠️ Only if high-quality and unavoidable

JPEG files use lossy compression, which can reduce file size — but also sacrifices image quality. Every time you save a JPEG, it compresses the image again, slightly reducing quality each time.

Pros:

  • Small file size

  • Easy to share via email

  • Universally supported

Cons:

  • Compression can cause visible artifacts

  • Not suitable for large format or fine detail work

  • May strip colour profile data

✅ Use only if you’re working from a high-resolution, minimally compressed JPEG saved at 100% quality. Never use screenshots, exported social media images, or compressed downloads from platforms like Instagram.

🧾 3. PDF (.pdf)

Best For: Vector artwork, text-heavy designs, and layout-based files
Ideal for Giclée printing? ✅ Yes — in the right scenario

PDFs are extremely flexible — they can contain both raster images and vector graphics, which makes them ideal for layout-based documents like posters, zines, and design-heavy work.

Pros:

  • Can embed fonts, vectors, and images

  • Preserves layout for booklets or posters

  • Compact file size

  • Compatible with Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop

Cons:

  • May compress embedded images

  • Requires correct export settings

  • Not ideal for photography-only prints

🧠 Giclée UK Tip: Always export PDFs with “High Quality Print” settings and check that your colour profile and resolution are preserved.

🗂️ Honourable Mention: PSD (.psd)

If you’re working in Photoshop and need to preserve layers, masks, or adjustment layers, a PSD file is a good working format. However, it’s not usually ideal for sending to print unless requested.

We suggest:

  • Flatten your PSD and save as TIFF before submitting

  • Or export to PDF if it’s layout-based with text or graphics

🎨 Choosing Based on Artwork Type

Here’s a quick reference guide:

Type of Artwork Recommended Format
Photography TIFF (or high-quality JPEG)
Scanned traditional artwork TIFF
Digital illustrations TIFF or PDF
Posters with text/design PDF
Line art/vector work PDF
Web preview or draft JPEG

📏 DPI, Colour Profiles, and Export Tips

Regardless of format, always check the following:

✅ DPI:

Export at 300 DPI (dots per inch) for print. Lower DPI = blurry or pixelated results.

✅ Colour Profile:

Use AdobeRGB (1998) or sRGB, and ensure the profile is embedded in the file.
ProPhoto RGB can cause issues unless you’re experienced with soft-proofing.

✅ File Naming:

Give your files clear names like:
Sunset_Mountain_A2_TIFF.tif
Jessie_Wildflowers_Print_A3.pdf

This avoids confusion and keeps your workflow professional.

📤 How to Submit Your Files to Giclée UK

We accept:

  • TIFF, PDF, JPEG

  • AdobeRGB or sRGB embedded

  • Files under 25MB via email: info@gicleeuk.com

  • Larger files via Dropbox or WeTransfer (secure links available upon request)

Not sure which to use? Just ask. We’re happy to review your file and offer advice before printing.

🧠 Final Thoughts

When it comes to printing fine art, your file format is your foundation. The better the file you send, the better the final result. We recommend sticking to TIFF or PDF whenever possible, and only using JPEGs if there’s no alternative.

Need help? Send us your file and we’ll check it before you place an order — no charge, no commitment.

At Giclée UK, we want your work to look its best. Every print starts with the right file — and we’re here to help you get it right.