Let’s be real: back when I started digital painting, figuring out what size to make my canvas felt like a total shot in the dark. Some pieces turned out great. Others? Not so much. I’d end up halfway through a painting only to realize the resolution wasn’t right, or the canvas was too small to print—or worse, so huge my software slowed to a crawl.
Sound familiar?
If you’ve ever felt stuck choosing the right digital art canvas size, resolution, or DPI, you’re not alone. So I did the homework, tested the setups, and now I’ve got a system that saves me from frustration—and hopefully, saves you too.
My Golden Rule for Canvas Sizes
If you’re just making art for the web—Instagram, ArtStation, or your own website—2000 pixels on the long side and at least 1200 on the short side is a great starting point. It’ll look crisp on phones, tablets, and most monitors.
If you plan to print your digital art, start with at least 3300 by 2550 pixels. That’s a safe zone for standard paper sizes at good quality. Planning a poster or merch? You’ll want something closer to 6000+ pixels on the long side.
Is this oversimplified? Yeah—but it works. And I’ve learned the hard way that it’s way better to start smart than to resize everything after the fact.
Let’s Talk DPI vs. PPI (Without the Tech Jargon)
If you’re new to digital art, here’s a quick breakdown:
- PPI (pixels per inch) is how many pixels fit into an inch on a screen.
- DPI (dots per inch) is how many pixels fit into an inch when printing.
People often use these terms interchangeably, and even your art software might blur the lines. Just know this:
- For printing, always use 300 DPI. It’s the standard and gives sharp results.
- For screens, we used to use 72 PPI, but with today’s high-res displays, 250+ PPI is more realistic.
- My rule? Just set your canvas to 300 DPI no matter what. You won’t regret it.
Why Canvas Size Matters
Getting your canvas size wrong can mess you up in two major ways:
Too Small?
You’ll fly through the sketch, and your software will run like a dream—but when it comes time to print, it’s toast. Scaling up means blurring, pixelation, and frustration. It’s like trying to turn a thumbnail into a billboard. No bueno.
Too Big?
You’re covered for prints, but now your software is dragging like it’s stuck in molasses. Brush strokes lag, saving takes forever, and filters feel like you’ve hit “pause” on your workflow. Worst of all? System crashes. Been there. Hated it.
The Sweet Spot Strategy: My Workflow
Want a setup that won’t destroy your system and still lets you print big? Here’s my move:
- Start with your dream size—whatever your biggest possible use case is. Maybe that’s 7200 x 10800 pixels for a poster.
- Check how your system handles it. If things lag, dial it down until you hit that smooth, responsive sweet spot.
- Paint big at first with broad strokes and basic shapes.
- As you move into smaller details, slowly scale the canvas back up—just enough to make those details pop without killing your CPU.
- Keep inching up until you reach your target size by the time you’re near the end.
This way, you balance a smooth workflow with high-res output. If your machine can’t make it all the way? That’s your sign—either lower your print size expectations or consider upgrading your gear (focus on CPU and RAM—they make the biggest difference for digital art software).
Standard Digital Canvas Sizes (So You Don’t Have to Guess Anymore)
For Online Art & Social Media:
- Instagram: 1080×1080 (square), 1080×1350 (portrait), 1080×566 (landscape)
- Facebook posts: 1200×630
- Twitter: 1024×512 (post), 1200×628 (cards)
- Pinterest: 1000×1500
- ArtStation: 1920 or 3840 width
- DeviantArt: 1920×1080 recommended
- Your personal website: 1920×1080 or 2560×1440
- Wallpapers: 1920×1080 is great; go 2560×1440 for high res
For Print Projects:
- US Letter (8.5″ x 11″): 2550×3300
- A5 (small): 1748×2480
- A4 (standard Europe): 2480×3508
- A3 (large): 3508×4960
- 11″x14″ Print: 3300×4200
- 12″x18″ Poster: 3600×5400
- 18″x24″ Poster: 5400×7200
- 24″x36″ Large Poster: 7200×10800
For Merch (Printful, Redbubble, etc.):
- T-Shirts: 3600×4800
- Mugs: 2700×1050
- Phone Cases (iPhone): 879×1830
- Postcards (5″x7″): 1500×2100
Bookmark this list. Screenshot it. Tattoo it on your arm. Trust me—it’ll save you so much time later.
New to Digital Art? Here’s How to Learn Faster
When I was getting started, I pieced together info from everywhere. YouTube tutorials, forums, trial and error… it was a mess. If you want a faster, smoother start, I seriously recommend checking out these courses:
- Intro to Procreate by Brooke Glaser
- Photoshop Demystified by Gabrielle Brickey
- Clip Studio Paint Basics by Asia Noble
- Krita for Beginners by Widhi Muttaqien
They’re all on Skillshare, and you can grab a free month using these links—plenty of time to binge-watch and level up.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about digital painting, figuring out your canvas size, resolution, and DPI early on is a total game-changer. It’ll save you headaches, help your work look crisp no matter where it’s seen, and make sure your art is ready to go whether you’re posting it, printing it, or putting it on a hoodie.
And remember—your art deserves to be seen at its best. A few extra minutes planning your canvas setup can mean the difference between “meh” and “museum-worthy.”
So next time you sit down to paint, set your canvas with purpose. Your future self (and your CPU) will thank you.