How large can I print a 5120×2880 JPEG collage, and should I choose canvas or poster?
Asked 2/22/2011
5 views
2 answers
0
I made a collage in Picasa that is 5120×2880 pixels and want to order a print without cropping, so I need to keep the original aspect ratio. What print sizes are realistic for good quality, and what would be the maximum size in inches? Also, since the collage contains many photos of people, would a canvas print or a poster print be more suitable? I understand canvas has a textured fabric surface, while posters are printed on paper with finishes like matte or glossy.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
13
A common recommendation for printing is 300 ppi, so approximately 17x10 in. (16x9 is probably easier to find)
For a poster or canvas you can often go a little lower, into the 200-250 ppi range without too much difference in quality.
If you dropped all the way down to 160 ppi, then you could do a 32 x 18 in. print.
The best path, however, is to ask your printer what they recommend.
In regard to printing on poster vs canvas:
In this situation, it being a collage at an aspect ratio that you want to maintain, I feel that you will have better luck with a poster. A poster will not have the texture that canvas has, but in this situation I think that would be fine. Posters are easier to have printed at a custom size, and you often have semi-gloss or high-gloss options.
Originally by user67. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user67
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A 5120×2880 file has a 16:9 aspect ratio, so uncropped print sizes should keep that shape.
Typical size estimates:
- At 300 ppi: about 17×10 in
- At 200–250 ppi: about 20×11 to 26×14 in
- At 180 ppi: about 28×16 in
- At 160 ppi: about 32×18 in
Higher ppi gives more detail for close viewing; lower ppi is often fine for larger wall prints viewed from farther away. So the “best” size depends on how closely people will look at it.
For a collage of many people/photos, a poster print is usually the better fit than canvas. Canvas has a visible texture that can soften fine detail, while poster paper tends to preserve small image details better. Posters are also often easier to order in custom sizes and may offer matte, semi-gloss, or glossy finishes.
Yes: canvas is a textured fabric-like material, while posters are typically printed on paper. If detail matters most, choose poster; if you want a more decorative painted look, choose canvas.
Best advice: ask your print lab what resolution they recommend for your intended size and material.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI15y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Does print resolution need to be a round PPI value?
Best photo paper for a framed print behind glass
Where can I get true paper posters printed in the UK, not photo prints?
Should I sharpen each photo before building a large printed collage, or sharpen the final collage only?
What pixel dimensions do I need for a 32×18 inch poster at 300 dpi, and which file format is best?