Sound wave print: sizes, paper and framing guide

Start with the right file

For printing you want a high-resolution PNG or JPG, or an SVG, which is a vector that stays sharp at any size. The Shimga editor exports PNG, JPG and SVG. A print needs about 300 pixels for every inch of paper (300 DPI), so an 8 by 10 inch print needs a 2400 by 3000 pixel image.

• 5 by 7 in: 1500 x 2100 px
• 8 by 10 in: 2400 x 3000 px
• A4: 2480 x 3508 px
• 11 by 14 in: 3300 x 4200 px
• A3: 3508 x 4961 px
• 16 by 20 in: 4800 x 6000 px
• 18 by 24 in: 5400 x 7200 px

Choosing a size

Think about where it will hang. A small print on a shelf or desk suits 5 by 7 or 8 by 10 inches. Over a bed or a sofa you want 16 by 20 or bigger. A single large piece is usually more striking than three small ones, unless you are building a gallery wall of several recordings.

Portrait is the default for gifts because standard frames are portrait. Choose landscape for a long song or a speech, because the waveform has more room to stretch. Square works well for circular designs.

Paper and finish

Matte or satin paper of 170 to 250 gsm is a safe choice. Gloss reflects light and makes thin lines harder to see on a wall. Textured or cotton art paper gives a gallery feel, especially for light designs. For dark backgrounds, ask the printer for a heavier paper so the colour looks even and does not show through.

Canvas suits photo backgrounds, while paper suits clean line styles. Metal and wood prints exist, but check the print shop's colour proof first.

Print at home or at a print shop

• At home: use the best photo setting, matte photo paper and print at 100 percent scale. Turn off any option that shrinks the image to fit.
• At a local shop or online: upload the PNG at the full size. Ask for a proof if the design has a dark background or a gradient.
• Dark backgrounds can print with banding on cheap printers. Test with a small print first.

Framing

A mat board around the print gives the waveform breathing room and makes it feel like a piece of art rather than a printout. Choose a mat at least 4 cm wide. Black frames suit dark designs and modern rooms, light wood suits pastel colours and nurseries. Use glass or acrylic to protect the print, and anti-glare if the wall faces a window.

Colour tips

Screens glow and paper does not, so a very bright neon colour on screen will look softer in print. For the most faithful result, pick mid-tone colours, avoid pure white text on a light background and stick to two colours. If you can, print a small test and look at it in daylight before you order the large one.

If your design uses a photo background, check that the photo is dark or light enough behind the waveform. Low contrast looks fine on a bright monitor and muddy on paper.

Print-ready checklist

• Right aspect ratio for the frame you own.
• File at 300 DPI for the print size.
• Text at least 10 mm tall once printed.
• At least 5 mm margin around the edge, more if the frame covers it.
• A test print before the final one.