Instant, Digital Downloads

They could be many questions around digital download files?

Here I will try to cover the what’s are, what’s if etc.

What Is A Digital Download File?

A digital download is a file or software that is available for you to purchase and then download without receiving a physical copy of the product.

The most common examples of digital downloads are:

• eBooks (PDF’s).
• Digital planners.
• Digital graphics/art.

The latter been the case here at Red Square Prints.

Our focus here, is mainly on the digital download of digital graphics/art.

When purchasing digital pictures, you immediately get a print-ready digital copy of the artwork sent to you. This means you only receive a digital version of the art, and no physical item is shipped to you in the mail.

So… what are the benefits of buying a digital download you may ask?

Digital downloads are more affordable than physical products, they are greener for the environment as no physical shipping is involved and there are absolutely no customs fees. The delivery is instant and with a digital download you can print it as many times as you like.

You can print the file at home with your own printer, upload it to a professional, online printing service or take it to a local print shop on the high street on your USB or phone.

How To Download Digital Items?

Usually, in most cases, after payment has been processed, you receive a confirmation email that is sent to the registered email address you provided during checkout. It is important to double check your email address on checkout.

The confirmation email will contain a link to download your order, you simply click the link and download using your desktop computer, phone, tablet etc. Sometimes these emails can go into a spam folder, so the best advice is to always check if it seems your email has not come through.

What Is A ZIP File And How Do I Unzip?

Usually and in the case of Red Square Prints you will download a ZIP file with the file extension “.zip”.

This is a archive file format which is simply a collection of one or more files that has been compressed into a single file format for easier handling.

Once downloaded you will need to extract the ZIP file, often called unzipping or extracting.

Unzipping can be done quite easily on your desktop computer, Windows and iOS both have built in extraction tools as do many mobile phones and tablets.

How Do I Print My Files?

Printing At Home: You can print your files directly, at home on your own printer using your computer, phone etc.

Online Printing Service: You can send them to an online printing service, you would need to upload the file(s) directly from your device and have the finished artwork sent to you.

Local Printshop: You can also take the files to a local print shop on the high street.

Which Size Should I Choose?

There is a range of print sizes included in your download, we refer to these as a ratio size, ISO, 2:3, 3:4, 4:5, 5:7, 11:14 and the individual files are named appropriately for the specific ratio/dimensions.

If you already have a frame picked out, then the size and the ratio should already be known.

If you have not picked a frame yet have a look around at the most common sizes and choose the print size/ratio accordingly.

The hi-res artwork that has been downloaded can be printed to a very large scale, to print in poster sizes and even to print directly onto canvas and therefore no frame would be necessary.

What Paper Is Best To Print On?

If you’re printing at home this is always the question. You are restricted on the desktop printer you have at home, be a laser, or inkjet, the latter been the most common and better choice.

Down to the paper, again this depends on the printer at home, but most inkjet printers allow you to print on both glossy and matt photo paper, both produce strong vibrant colours.

I personally like a glossy finish and most online and high street printers offer a choice of both.