How large can I print my portrait?
Calculate print resolution from real pixels, understand crop and enlargement, and plan canvas or wall art without relying on a DPI label.
Divide pixels by inches
A 6,000 × 4,000 pixel file printed at 20 × 13.33 inches provides about 300 pixels per inch. At 30 × 20 inches it provides 200 pixels per inch. These are arithmetic examples, not universal quality thresholds. Viewing distance, captured detail, paper or canvas texture and the print lab’s requirements affect the result.
Check the crop first
A 3:2 image and a 4:5 frame have different proportions. Filling the frame removes part of the image unless you add borders or extend the composition within an agreed scope. Canvas wraps and bleed need extra planning around heads, hands, signatures and important edges. Approve the physical layout separately from the digital portrait.
Enlargement is a separate decision
Enlargement creates more pixels and may change texture. It cannot guarantee recovery of missing camera detail. Judge an enlarged photograph and an enlarged painting differently: painted brushwork should not turn into invented photographic pores, and delicate photographic detail should not acquire an artificial painted texture. Inspect the intended output, not just a small browser preview.
Use the right export tier
The approved optional Large Export is $2.99 for a supported output up to 64 megapixels; Extra-Large Export is $4.99 up to 128 megapixels. Both are priced by requested output size and subject to route availability. They should preserve aspect ratio unless a separate crop is agreed, and should never downsize an already larger master to justify a purchase. Standard finished export is already included.
Plan physical artwork as a commission
A hand-painted digital portrait includes the agreed digital master. Printing, frame, physical embellishment, shipping and installation belong in a separate accepted quote unless specifically included. Confirm size units, finish, location, lead time and any credit for an earlier painting payment. Ask for a print-lab recommendation for the actual product instead of assuming that changing the file’s DPI metadata improves it.