A ratio describes the shape.
A print size describes physical dimensions, such as 8 × 10 inches. An aspect ratio describes the relationship between width and height. An 8 × 10 print has a 4:5 ratio, as does a 16 × 20 print.
Sizes with the same ratio can share a composition if the file has enough pixels for the largest size. Moving between different ratios requires a crop, a border or a new layout. For landscape artwork, reverse the width and height.
Common inch sizes by ratio.
| Ratio | Print sizes (inches) | Example at 300 PPI |
|---|---|---|
| 2:3 | 4 × 6, 8 × 12, 12 × 18, 16 × 24, 20 × 30, 24 × 36 | 12 × 18: 3,600 × 5,400 px |
| 3:4 | 6 × 8, 9 × 12, 12 × 16, 18 × 24 | 12 × 16: 3,600 × 4,800 px |
| 4:5 | 8 × 10, 12 × 15, 16 × 20 | 8 × 10: 2,400 × 3,000 px |
| 5:7 | 5 × 7, 10 × 14 | 5 × 7: 1,500 × 2,100 px |
| 11:14 | 11 × 14 | 11 × 14: 3,300 × 4,200 px |
An 11 × 14 print has a different ratio from 3:4 and 4:5. If you are adapting artwork from one of those shapes, prepare a separate crop or layout, or add borders to preserve the composition. Check the frame’s stated image opening, especially if a mount covers part of the paper.
A4, A3 and A2 paper sizes.
A-series paper uses an approximately 1:√2 ratio. The millimetre dimensions are rounded, so always use the exact target size when preparing a print. A4 is not the same shape as 8 × 10 inches.
| Size | Millimetres | Pixels at 300 PPI* |
|---|---|---|
| A4 | 210 × 297 | 2,480 × 3,508 |
| A3 | 297 × 420 | 3,508 × 4,961 |
| A2 | 420 × 594 | 4,961 × 7,016 |
*Calculated from the paper dimensions and rounded to the nearest pixel. Export software may round differently by a pixel.
Calculate pixels, then inspect the image.
Pixels = print size in inches × PPI. For example, an 8 × 10 inch print at 300 pixels per inch needs 2,400 × 3,000 pixels. For millimetres, divide by 25.4 to get inches first.
300 PPI is a common target for detailed prints viewed close up. The printer, paper and viewing distance also affect the result. Changing the resolution number without adding pixels does not add image detail; resampling changes the pixel count. See Adobe’s guide to image size, resolution and resampling.
- Confirm the intended print size and any printer requirements for bleed or margins.
- Check the crop: keep important details away from the trimmed edge.
- Inspect the file at full size for blur, artefacts and unwanted marks.
- Make a test print before promising a particular result to buyers.
Which sizes can Inkla prepare?
Main 0.1.0 has A4, A3 and A2 poster presets. The inch sizes above are general print references, not additional selectable Inkla presets. Folded cards have separate A6 and A5 presets.
Inkla keeps artwork review, print preparation and the listing package in the same project. Review each selected size before exporting PNG or JPG files, plus PDF. See the full workflow or continue to preparing files for Etsy.