Have you ever browsed through Etsy and wondered what exactly printable wall art is? Or maybe you found the perfect print for your gallery wall but are unsure of how to print it yourself? Or maybe you really are itching to update your home decor, but are on a strict budget? If that’s the case, then I am here for you! Below I explain the 3 easy steps for downloading and printing Etsy Digital Downloads plus I answer some popular questions, offer tips on how to use them, and more!
What is Printable Wall Art?
Maybe you are here but aren’t entirely sure what printable wall art is. Unlike purchasing a canvas or printed piece of art, when you purchase printable wall art you receive a digital file, like a JPG or PDF file. You then can print that file at home or through a printing service.
Benefits of Printable Wall Art
There are so many benefits to purchasing printable wall art vs purchasing a physical item. They are really affordable, you don’t have to wait on shipping times and you receive the same artwork in multiple sizes. You can also use digital files for ordering other items as well, such as mugs or pillows…anything you can order with a photo on it! Another bonus is you have the digital file for life, so you can use it again and again! (This is great for seasonal artwork or classroom items!)
3 Easy Steps for Printing your Printable Wall Art
Congratulations! You purchased your Etsy printable wall art or digital files. Now what? Here are the quick and easy steps to getting those prints in your hands and to your frames!
Step 1: Download your Etsy Files
The first step after purchasing printable wall art from Etsy is downloading the files. Etsy makes this so easy! After the purchase is complete, a box appears at the top of your screen confirming your purchase with a button to download. You can also access your digital downloads is in your Etsy profile, under ‘Purchases’.
NOTE: Right now you cannot access your digital downloads via the Etsy app. You will need to use a desktop or laptop computer or your mobile browser.
Don’t have an Etsy account? You will also be emailed an order confirmation from transaction@etsy.com and you can download your files from there. Be sure to check your junk or spam folder if you don’t see the email!
Step 2: Print your Files
Now that you have your files, the next step is printing them. All of the prints from Love + Messiness are designed to be easily printed on your home printer! I recommend using high quality paper such as cardstock or photo paper for the best results.
If you aren’t sure about printing them at home or you want a larger size, you can also have them printed by a professional printing service. It’s the same process as ordering photos! Below are a list of great places to use or you can contact your local print shop, UPS or FedEx stores.
- Mpix (This is my favorite site and if you use this link, you can earn $10!)
- Shutterfly
- Snapfish
- Walmart
- Walgreens
Step 3: Display your Printable Wall Art
Once you have your digital art printed, the options on endless on how to display it! Here are just a few ideas for you (I have used all of these!)
- Buy a new or used picture frame to show off your beautiful scripture print
- Update an old frame as an affordable decor upgrade
- Use a poster holder for a clean, modern look
- Hang on the wall or mirror with Washi tape for an easy daily prayer reminder
- Display the print on a bulletin board…perfect for homeschool or classrooms!
- Hang your prayer print or saint quote print on the refrigerator so your family sees it often
Etsy Printable Wall Art FAQs
Are you still a bit unsure? No worries! Below are some of the most frequently asked questions I receive about the printable wall art designs I offer. If your question isn’t answered here, please reach out and I would love to help!
What will my download include?
When you purchase printable wall art from Love + Messiness, you will receive 3-5 zipped files. In these files you will receive 5 JPG files, each in different size ratios of the artwork purchased. You will also include the same files in PDF format so you can choose which file format works best for you. Finally, you will receive a ‘Start Here’ folder which includes tips, instructions and more. (See below for more on ratios.)
What are the file formats?
Our prints at Love + Messiness are often available in both JPEG and PDF files. A JPEG file is widely compatible and is great for printing photos or intricate and/or colorful designs. If you are using a photo company to print your downloads, you will need to use the JPEG files. A PDF file is ideal for documents or word art designs. PDF files are very common and easy to print at home.
A note on resolution: JPEG files need to be a certain resolution to achieve a high-quality print result. All L+M prints are saved at the recommended 300dpi.
What are the different print size ratios?
When you order printable wall art file from Love + Messiness (and many other printable wall art creators) you will receive the artwork in 5 different size ratios. This means you can print your artwork in over 24 different sizes so you can print to fit almost any frame or area you need! We offer prints in 4:5, 3:4, 2:3 ratios plus ISO sizes and 11×14. (See the image above for a complete list!)
What if I purchased a printable greeting card?
If you purchased a printable greeting card, all of the same concepts apply! I simple recommend printing on a heavy cardstock for the best quality. There will be cut and fold lines included on the print itself so it’s easy to trim and fold correctly. No envelopes are included but they are easy to purchase from your local Walmart or from Amazon!
Can I print these files and resell them?
All of the artwork in the Love + Messiness shop is created by hand with a lot of time and thought put into it. We ask that you please not alter, reproduce or distribute the digital file you receive in any way. You can print the files you purchase as many times as you’d like but please do not resell them in any form. If you would like to work together or ask more about this, please send me a message!
Could my parish use these prints?
I get this question a lot and the answer is yes, of course! I create these lovely Catholic art pieces to share God’s Word and I consider it an honor to have them used within your parish! With that said, please do not alter or sell the images purchased without my permission.
How do I know when new products are added?
The Love + Messiness is always changing and adding new products. To stay updated on these changes and be alerted when new products land, sales and more, please click here to sign up for our newsletter!
More Questions? Please send me a message via Etsy or email kristy@loveandmessiness.com anytime and I would be glad to help!
