One common mistake we see is people taking a screenshot of their design instead of downloading the proper file type.
While a screenshot might look fine on your screen, it usually won’t give you the high resolution needed for a sharp, clear print.
Let’s dive into why you should always download your design as a high-quality JPG or PNG for the best results.
Here are the top three reasons why you shouldn’t use screenshots for printing:
Pixellation or Blurry Prints
Screenshots are taken at the resolution of your screen, which can be much lower than what’s needed for a quality print. This means when we try to print your design, it might come out blurry or pixellated (like the image below left).
File Size Limitations:
Screenshots are often smaller in file size, which means they don’t contain enough detail to give you the crisp, clean lines you want in a printed sticker.
So, while it might seem easier to just grab a screenshot, it may not give you the professional quality you’re looking for in your final sticker.
Watermark Logos
If you take a screenshot or download a preview image of a design on a website that contains Stock Images, you’ll usually be able to view the logo that has been put on top of the image to protect it. See the example below.
This watermark logo will be very obvious when printed. Instead, you need to pay for the use of the image or go to a different website that offers royalty-free usage rights. Read our guide on how to avoid watermarked imagery.
So, while it might seem easier to just grab a screenshot, it may not give you the professional quality you’re looking for in your final sticker.
How to Get the Best Quality File for Printing
To make sure your stickers turn out as sharp as possible, it’s always best to download your design as a large-sized high-quality JPG or PNG from whatever design software you’re using, whether that’s Canva, Photoshop, or another tool.
These file types are usually high-resolution and retain all the detail needed for a perfect print.
- JPG files are great for designs with lots of colours or gradients, like photos or complex artwork.
- PNG files are perfect for designs such as logos or illustrations.
Need Help? We’ve Got Your Back!
If you’re unsure how to download the correct file or need help with your design, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We can guide you through the process or even help with file adjustments to make sure your sticker comes out looking its best!
