
Learn how to prepare your files for fine art printing with Lux Photo Lab. Our guidelines cover resolution, color profiles, borders, and sizing to ensure your artwork prints beautifully and accurately.
Preparation
Guidelines
File Preparation Guidelines
At Lux Photo Lab Inc., every print begins with a perfectly prepared file. Following these guidelines ensures that your artwork is reproduced with the precision, depth, and fidelity it deserves. Our goal is to transform your vision into a museum-quality print — crafted to last for generations.
File Format
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We accept the following file types:
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• Preferred: TIFF (8-bit or 16-bit, flattened)
• Also Accepted: JPEG (maximum quality), PSD (flattened)
All files must be flattened before submission — no layers, transparency, or alpha channels. This guarantees accuracy during color management and printing.
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Color Space
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To achieve the most faithful color reproduction, please save and export your files in Adobe RGB or ProPhoto RGB color space.
We can also print files in sRGB, but note that this space has a smaller gamut and may limit color vibrancy, especially in saturated tones.
For best results, maintain a fully color-managed workflow from capture to print using a calibrated monitor and consistent ICC profiles.
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Resolution
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• Recommended resolution: 300 dpi at the final print size
• Minimum acceptable: 240 dpi
Avoid upscaling low-resolution files, as this can reduce sharpness and introduce artifacts. If your file’s resolution is too low for the intended size, please contact us before ordering — our team can advise on optimal dimensions and resampling options.
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Image Dimensions & Cropping
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Prepare your image at the exact print dimensions you’d like, including any borders if required.
To prevent unwanted cropping:
• Maintain your desired aspect ratio.
• Leave sufficient space around key subjects if the image will be framed or mounted.
If you need assistance determining sizing or border proportions, our team can guide you through the ideal layout for your chosen paper and format.
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Borders & Bleed
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When submitting files:
• Full-bleed prints: provide dimensions at the exact final print size, no additional border.
• Bordered prints: include the white border within the file (e.g., 1-inch border all around for a 20×30" image becomes a 22×32" paper size).
Borders are printed as part of the image file and not added automatically.
If you prefer Lux Photo Lab to design the border layout, please specify during ordering.
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File Naming
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Use clear, standardized file names to help us keep track of your order:
• Lastname_Firstname_Title_PrintSize_PaperType.tif
• Example: Jhon_Doe_TheBridge_20x30_PhotoRag.tif
This format ensures accuracy during production and record-keeping, especially for limited or certified editions.
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Color Proofing
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If color precision is critical (for exhibitions, portfolios, or reproductions), we strongly recommend ordering a small proof print before final production.
Proofs allow you to evaluate tone, density, and paper response under natural light before committing to full-size printing.
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Sharpening & Adjustments
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Apply sharpening and tonal corrections only after resizing your image to its final dimensions.
Avoid excessive sharpening, saturation boosts, or strong contrast curves, these can produce unnatural results when printed at large scale. Our printers reproduce subtle tonal transitions best when adjustments remain balanced and natural.
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Black & White Images
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For monochrome work, convert your image to grayscale or keep it in RGB but neutral.
Ensure your tones are fully optimized on a calibrated monitor, deep blacks, clean whites, and smooth gradients. Lux Photo Lab uses Canon Lucia Pro II inks, providing exceptional neutrality and tonal range on all Hahnemühle fine art papers.
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Paper Selection
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We print exclusively on certified Hahnemühle FineArt papers, each chosen for its unique texture, weight, and surface character.
Selecting the right paper is an artistic decision that defines how your image feels and lives in print. Whether it’s the matte subtlety of Photo Rag, the luminous sheen of Silk Baryta, or the natural tone of Bamboo, our team can help you choose the ideal match for your work.
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Submitting Your Files
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You can submit your files through:
• Our online Quote Form where you can set up all your prints instructions and upload your files.
• You can also send us your WeTransfer, Dropbox, or Google Drive link to info@luxphotolab.com
Before sending:
• Verify the correct color space, resolution, and dimensions.
• Confirm that the file is flattened and named correctly.
• Include any special instructions (borders, edition numbers, certificates, etc.).
Quality Assurance
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Every file is carefully reviewed before printing. If we detect any issue — such as low resolution, incorrect color space, or potential cropping, we’ll contact you before production.
Our commitment is to ensure every print meets Lux Photo Lab’s museum-grade standards.
Archival Standards
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All Lux Photo Lab prints are produced using giclée pigment printing with Canon Lucia Pro II archival inks and Hahnemühle certified papers.
Each print is crafted under controlled environmental conditions to ensure permanence and stability. With proper care, your print will maintain its beauty for generations.
Questions or Assistance
Our team is always available to assist with file setup, paper selection, and technical guidance.
Contact us for personalized support.
"The Art of Printing Art"
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