July 2026  ·  6 min read

How to create aspect ratio packs for Etsy digital downloads

If you sell printable wall art on Etsy, one of the most confusing things to figure out is how to organise your files so buyers get the right size for their frame. The answer used by top Etsy sellers is the aspect ratio pack; a simple system that sorts your sizes into groups and makes the download experience much cleaner for buyers.

This guide explains exactly how aspect ratios work, which sizes belong in each pack, and how to build the ZIP files your buyers will actually thank you for.

What is an aspect ratio?

An aspect ratio describes the proportional relationship between the width and height of a rectangle. A 4×6 inch print and an 8×12 inch print look different in terms of absolute size, but they are the same shape; both are 2:3 ratio (width:height). If your buyer has an 8×12 frame, they need a 2:3 ratio design. If they have an 8×10 frame, they need a 4:5 ratio design.

The shape of the frame is what matters, not the specific size, and that is why aspect ratio packs work so well. You give buyers one download for each frame shape, not one download for every possible size.

The four essential ratio packs

These four ratios cover 95% of frames sold at IKEA, Target, Walmart, and most home decor stores:

Why ratio packs beat "all sizes in one ZIP"

Most new Etsy sellers start by putting every size into one big ZIP. This causes two problems that are easy to avoid once you understand them.

Problem 1: The file is too large. If you include 8 to 12 different print sizes in one ZIP, each at 300 DPI, the total ZIP file will almost always exceed Etsy's 20MB per-file limit. Etsy will reject the upload entirely.

Problem 2: Buyers are confused. When a buyer downloads a ZIP with 10 different files inside, they have to figure out which one to print. Many just guess, print the wrong ratio for their frame, and the print has white bars on the sides or gets cropped in an ugly way. This leads to negative reviews even though the design itself is perfect.

Ratio packs solve both problems at once. Each ZIP is smaller (4 to 6 files instead of 10 to 12), and buyers instantly know which pack is for their frame. Your listing description can simply say: "Got a 4x6 or 8x12 frame? Download the 2:3 pack. Got an 8x10 or 16x20 frame? Download the 4:5 pack."

How to build your ratio packs step by step

1. Export all your print sizes from Canva or your design software, one file per size. Use JPG at 100% quality to keep file sizes manageable.
2. Create four folders on your computer named 2x3, 3x4, 4x5, and 1x1. Sort each file into the folder that matches its ratio using the table above.
3. Compress each folder into a separate ZIP file. Name them clearly, something like MyDesign_2x3_pack.zip, MyDesign_4x5_pack.zip, and so on.
4. Check each ZIP is under 20MB. If any ZIP is too large, convert the PNG files inside to JPG and re-zip.
5. Upload each ZIP as a separate file in your Etsy listing. Etsy allows up to 5 files per listing. Use the file name and your listing description to tell buyers which pack to download for their frame.

What to put in your Etsy listing description

Buyers will not automatically understand ratio packs unless you explain it. Include a simple guide in your listing description. Here is a template you can copy:

Aspect ratio reference table

Note that 5×7 and 11×14 do not fit perfectly into any of the four standard ratios. Many Etsy sellers include a 5×7 file in both the 2:3 and 3:4 packs so buyers always get it. The important thing is that buyers are never left without a usable file.

Keeping your ZIP files under 20MB

Each file in your Etsy listing must be under 20MB. Here is how to check and fix your ZIP files:

Use JPG, not PNG. PNG files are 3 to 10 times larger than JPG for print files. A 20×30 inch PNG at 300 DPI can be 100MB or more. The same file as JPG at 100% quality is typically 12 to 18MB. Always export as JPG for print listings.

Limit sizes per pack. A ratio pack with 4 to 6 sizes at JPG quality will usually be well under 20MB. If you are including very large sizes (20×30 or larger), you may need to create a "large prints" sub-pack.

Check before uploading. Before uploading to Etsy, check each ZIP file size in your file explorer. If any ZIP is over 18MB, remove the largest file or convert any remaining PNGs to JPG.

Do I need all four ratio packs?

Not necessarily. Look at your design and decide which ratios it works well in. A tall, narrow design may not look good at 1:1 (square), so skip the square pack. A wide landscape design will not suit portrait ratios.

The minimum that covers most buyers is 2:3 and 4:5; these two ratios cover standard photo frames and the most popular wall art frame sizes. Adding 3:4 covers a broader range. Adding 1:1 opens up the growing square print market.

Frequently asked questions