Canvas vs Poster vs Photo Print

All three products can show the same photo, but they differ in material, resolution requirements, durability and the way they are displayed. This guide helps you pick the right one for the wall, the event or the customer.

Quick comparison

	Photo print	Poster	Canvas print
Material	Photo paper	Coated paper	Cotton/poly canvas on frame
Typical DPI	300	150	150–200
Viewing distance	Close	2–6 feet	3–8 feet
Durability	Needs frame or album	Prone to creasing	Robust, no glass needed
Best for	Albums, framing, gifts	Events, walls, temporary displays	Wall art, long-term display

When a photo print is the right choice

Photo prints are the standard for albums, framing and small gifts. Because they are viewed closely, they need 300 DPI: an 8 × 10 print requires 2400 × 3000 px. Photo paper also reproduces fine detail and smooth gradients better than canvas, which has a visible texture.

When a poster makes sense

Posters are the economical choice for larger formats: wall displays, events, classrooms and marketing. They are usually viewed from a few feet away, so 150 DPI is enough - a 24 × 36 in poster needs 3600 × 5400 px. Posters are less resistant to moisture, creasing and sunlight than canvas, so they suit semi-permanent or protected displays.

When canvas is worth the extra cost

Canvas prints arrive stretched on a frame, need no glass and tolerate moisture and handling better than paper. The textured surface hides minor imperfections and gives a painterly look that suits landscapes, portraits and large wall art. Because texture limits fine detail, 150–200 DPI is the practical range; a 16 × 20 in canvas needs roughly 3200 × 4000 px at 200 DPI.

Resolution needs by size

Size	Photo print (300 DPI)	Canvas (200 DPI)	Poster (150 DPI)
8 × 10 in	2400 × 3000 px	1600 × 2000 px	1200 × 1500 px
16 × 20 in	4800 × 6000 px	3200 × 4000 px	2400 × 3000 px
24 × 36 in	7200 × 10800 px	4800 × 7200 px	3600 × 5400 px

How to decide in four questions

How close will people get? Under two feet, choose a photo print; three feet or more opens up canvas and posters.
How long must it last? Years on a wall point to canvas; weeks or a single event point to a poster.
Is fine detail essential? Small text, intricate patterns and sharp architecture reproduce best on photo paper.
What is the budget? Posters cost the least per square foot; canvas and framed photo prints cost more but present better.

Practical tips before ordering

Crop to the product's aspect ratio yourself using the crop calculator.
Check the required pixels with the print size calculator before uploading.
For canvas, leave a little extra image around the edges if the service wraps the image around the frame.
Ask for a small proof print for important pieces, especially when colour accuracy matters.