Designed something in Canva, ChatGPT or another AI design tool and want to turn it into a real poster, sign or banner? The most important step is sending artwork that is the correct size and high enough quality to print cleanly.
This guide explains the easiest way to prepare your file for large-format printing at BIG Print Studio, including the best export format, recommended resolution, standard A sizes and which print material to choose.
Can I print a design made in Canva or with AI?
Yes. Canva artwork and AI-generated designs can both be printed, provided the final file has the right proportions and enough detail for the size you order.
For Canva designs, a PDF Print export is usually the best option because text, shapes and logos stay crisp. High-resolution PNG or JPG files can also work well. AI-generated artwork is often a raster image, so resolution matters more when you enlarge it.
If your design contains important wording, names, dates or prices, it is usually better to add that text in Canva rather than relying on text generated inside an AI image. This helps keep lettering sharp, correctly spelled and easy to read when printed.
What file format should I send?
- PDF Print: our preferred format for Canva designs, text-heavy artwork, posters and signs.
- PNG: a good choice for high-resolution graphics, illustrations and flattened designs.
- JPG: suitable for photographs and full-colour artwork when exported at high quality.
Avoid sending screenshots, images copied from social media, heavily compressed files or small images that have simply been stretched larger. They may look acceptable on a phone screen but can become visibly soft or pixelated at A1 or A0 size.
What size should I create my Canva design?
The artwork should use the same proportions as the finished print. For standard A-size printing, use these dimensions:
| Print size | Finished dimensions | Approx. pixels at 150 DPI |
|---|---|---|
| A3 | 297 × 420 mm | 1754 × 2480 px |
| A2 | 420 × 594 mm | 2480 × 3508 px |
| A1 | 594 × 841 mm | 3508 × 4967 px |
| A0 | 841 × 1189 mm | 4967 × 7022 px |
If you are exporting from Canva as PDF Print, you normally do not need to calculate pixel dimensions yourself. For PNG or JPG artwork, the pixel figures above are a useful minimum target for large-format work viewed from a normal distance.
Is 150 DPI enough for a poster or sign?
For most large-format posters, signs and display boards, artwork at around 150 DPI at the final printed size can produce a strong result because these products are normally viewed from further away than a photograph or leaflet.
For very small text, detailed logos or artwork that will be viewed close up, higher resolution is better. Starting with a good original file is always preferable to artificially enlarging a small image.
How to export from Canva for printing
- Set your Canva design to the correct proportions for the size you intend to order.
- Check that important text, logos and faces are not sitting too close to the edge.
- Choose Share → Download.
- Select PDF Print where possible.
- If you are using PNG or JPG instead, export at the highest quality available.
- Open the downloaded file and check spelling, image quality and layout before uploading it to us.
If the background is intended to print right to the edge, make sure the background colour or image reaches the edge of the design rather than leaving an accidental white border.
How to prepare an AI-generated design for print
AI artwork can look impressive on screen but sometimes contains tiny visual errors that become more obvious in print. Before uploading it, zoom in and check faces, hands, logos, small objects and especially any text generated as part of the image.
A useful workflow is to generate the visual with AI, then place that image into Canva and add your final text, logo, names, dates and contact details separately. That gives you much more control over the finished result.
Which product should I choose?
Posters
For indoor displays, promotions, menus, presentations, party artwork and event graphics, our Custom Poster Printing – A3 to A0 option lets you choose your size and upload your finished artwork.
Foamex or Correx signs and boards
If you want a rigid sign or display, use our Custom Signs & Boards – Foamex or Correx product.
Foamex has a smooth, rigid finish and is ideal for presentation boards, welcome signs, business displays and event signage. Correx is lightweight and economical, making it useful for temporary signage, directions and promotional displays.
Vinyl banners
For a flexible banner suitable for promotions, events and larger displays, choose Custom Vinyl Banner Printing.
Paper banners
For an affordable lightweight option for indoor parties and events, you can order Custom Paper Banner Printing.
Roller banners
For exhibitions, shops, reception areas and business events, our Custom Roller Banner Printing gives you a freestanding display using your own artwork.
Common problems that can affect print quality
- Uploading a screenshot instead of the original file.
- Using a small logo copied from a website.
- Stretching an AI image far beyond its original resolution.
- Creating artwork in the wrong proportions for the print size.
- Putting important text too close to the edge.
- Using blurry photographs or images downloaded from messaging apps.
- Not checking AI-generated text before ordering.
Not sure whether your artwork is good enough?
If you are unsure, send us the highest-quality version you have. We can check whether the file appears suitable for the size ordered before it goes into production. If an obvious issue is likely to affect the finished print, we can contact you before printing.
Ready to print your Canva or AI design?
Choose the product that suits your project, select the size or material you need and upload your artwork. BIG Print Studio can turn your finished design into posters, Foamex and Correx boards, vinyl banners, paper banners and roller displays.