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01. Artwork digitization
A practical guide for museums, galleries and artists
Gicleo Academy
Knowledge from practice
The Gicleo Academy is a space where we share our experience working with artwork, archives, and fine art printing. Here, we gather knowledge we use daily in digitization, file preparation, color control, and museum printing.
We publish free guides and educational materials that help you understand processes and make informed technical decisions. The content is designed to be easily accessed whenever a specific need arises, regardless of the scale of the operation or the stage of the project. We are also developing a frequently asked questions section based on real-world issues faced by artists, galleries, and institutions.
Gicleo Academy Guides
Below, you'll find publications designed for those who want to better understand the various stages of working with a work of art—from digitization and printing to distribution and sales. You can receive each guide free of charge via email.
02. Museum printing technology
A practical guide for museums, galleries and artists
03. Sale of art prints
A practical guide for museums, galleries and artists
How to prepare a file for giclée printing
A well-prepared file is the foundation of a high-quality print. Below, you'll find the most important rules for achieving predictable and repeatable results.
1. Resolution and size
– Recommended resolution: 300 dpi (px/inch) at target print size
2. File format
– Preferred formats: TIFF or JPG
– Uncompressed file
– The file should be flattened (no layers)
3. Color and profile
– Color space: Adobe RGB (recommended) or sRGB
– The color profile should be embedded in the file
– Do not convert to CMYK – printing is done in RGB
– Color profile embedded in the file
4. Margins and Cropping
– If you plan to sign or number the work: leave a white margin (approx. 1,5–3 cm) around the work
– Keep important elements at least 3 mm from the edge
– Prepare your prints “sharply”, without bleeds
Download the manual here
Most frequently asked questions
How to prepare a file for printing? 
Four parameters decide everything:
- Resolution: 300 ppi at target print size
- Size: 1:1, consistent with print format, no bleeds
- Colour: RGB, Adobe RGB (1998) or sRGB, with embedded ICC profile
- Format: TIFF without lossy compression, JPG in maximum quality or PNG, always in 8 bits
What is giclée printing?
This is a high-quality pigment-based print designed for fine art reproduction. Instead of the four printing colors of CMYK, it uses 8 to 12 pigment inks and doesn't build an image from a screen, allowing for much more subtle tonal transitions. The final result is determined by the entire process: the source file, color control, printing device, and substrate, such as cotton paper or canvas. Learn more on our giclée printing page.
Is an art print suitable for sale as a collector?
Yes, provided the entire process, from digitization and file preparation to paper selection and print quality control, is conducted consistently. Giclée prints made on archival materials are considered collector's editions if they are numbered, for example, 12/50 , signed by the artist, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
What role does paper play in the perception of an art print?
Paper has a direct impact on the character of an image. Its texture, white tone, and pigment absorption determine the visibility of detail, depth, and structure. Giclée papers typically weigh 180 to 350 gsm and are available in four surface options: smooth, velvet, textured, and baryta. The same file looks different on each, so choosing a substrate should be considered an artistic decision, not just a technical one. See papers and sample books.
How long does a giclée print last?
The durability of a print depends on the entire system: ink, paper, binding method and display and storage conditions.
Independent tests have shown that professional pigment systems last for decades, with some paper and ink combinations exceeding 100 years under specific test conditions . However, this doesn't mean that every print will look the same for a hundred years, as the materials used and how the work is stored are crucial.
How many copies are in the limited edition?
There is no single, universally accepted number. In practice, there are both very small editions of a few or a dozen copies, and larger print runs of 50, 100, or 250.
A smaller edition increases the rarity of a work, but it doesn't automatically translate into greater value. The key is to clearly define the edition size before the sale begins and adhere to that commitment.
Where can I find more answers?
A complete database of frequently asked questions and answers, divided into thematic sections from file preparation to print sales, can be found in the FAQ section . There you'll find information on file parameters, paper selection, monitor calibration, digitization standards, and edition numbering and certification rules.