Printsimages

Printsimages is a term used in art and printing to describe printed representations of images produced by various printing and reproduction processes. It can be viewed as a category that encompasses both traditional printmaking outputs and digitally produced prints that aim to preserve image data on physical media. The precise definition varies by context, and the term is not widely standardized.

Historically, the concept emerged with the expansion of desktop publishing, professional inkjet printers, and advances in archival pigments in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. As digital images became commonplace, practitioners sought consistent naming for works that exist as physical prints rather than screen displays.

Techniques and formats associated with printsimages include inkjet or giclée printing, dye-sublimation, laser or dye-based printers, and traditional methods adapted for archival reproduction. Supported substrates range from cotton rag and other fine art papers to canvas, metal, or acrylic. Editioning, color management, and calibration with ICC profiles are important for maintaining fidelity to the source image.

Quality considerations include color accuracy, resolution, archival stability, and durability of the print and substrate. Paper choice, coating, and storage conditions affect longevity and appearance under varying light. Proofing workflows and proof-to-print comparisons are often used to ensure the final print matches the intended image as closely as possible.

Applications of printsimages span fine art reproduction, photography catalogs, museums and libraries archiving digitized collections, and commercial publishing. Issues of copyright, edition size, and provenance are commonly addressed through certificates of authenticity and clear metadata accompanying the work.

See also: printmaking, digital printing, archival pigment, giclée, color management, edition print.