Frequently Asked Questions

File Preparation

  1. File Handling

    1. Importing from Adobe Camera Raw

  2. Print Size

    1. “How Big Can I Print This?”

    2. “What Paper should I Use?”

  3. Image Size

  4. Resampling

  5. Soft-Proofing

    1. Rendering Intent

  6. Colour Accuracy

  7. Uploading Files

Weight and Thickness

Grams per square meter is a common way of describing the weight and feel of a paper but it is not entirely accurate.
It is important to understand the difference and interrelationship between gsm and caliper.

Grams per meter² (gsm or g/m²) describes weight.

Caliper (microns) describes thickness.

It is possible for a paper to have a similar gsm and caliper - Ilford's Smooth Pearl is a perfect example of this with a weight of 310gsm and a thickness of 310 microns - though this is a rare case. Most papers will have a different relationship between their weight and thickness.

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Ilford Raster Silk

290gsm/265 microns

A paper can have a low gsm and even lower caliper value

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Hahnemuhle William Turner

310gsm/620 microns

A paper can have a high gsm and even higher caliper value

Surface and Texture

While all of our fine art papers offer exceptional sharpness and detail, heavier textured papers may also be useful in situations where you need to produce a large print with an image that has lower than optimal resolution; the rougher texture will cover some of the pixelation that occurs when printing larger than an images native resolution. Beyond using heavier textures to imitate the original medium any artwork was created on, heavier textures can also be useful to create interest in any undesired negative space within an image (for example: a landscape with a cloudless or otherwise blown-out sky), or as a substitution for filmic grain.

  • Mat/Matt/Matte:
    While most matt papers suffer in gamut volume and maximum black (Dmax) when compared to most photo papers, they exhibit other special characteristics that may make them a desirable option for your print.

  • Coated Photographic Gloss/Semi-Gloss/Lustre/Pearl:
    Photographic gloss or semi-gloss papers typically offer superior colour and contrast and tend to provide more transitional gradients. Anything that can take advantage of the wider colour gamut or deeper blacks will look extra special with this type of advantage.

  • Washi
    Traditional Japanese paper.  The term is used to describe paper that uses local fibre, processed by hand and made in a traditional manner. Washi papers are typically matt with a velvety texture and light sheen.