How to use Printable Prep
Printable Prep is a free browser tool that checks and fixes your digital download files before you upload them to Etsy. This guide walks you through exactly how it works: from dropping your file in to downloading the fixed version.
Step-by-step walkthrough
Open Printable Prep in your browser
Go to printableprep.com on any device; works on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android. There is nothing to install and no account to create.
Drop your file onto the upload area
Drag your file from your desktop or downloads folder onto the dashed drop zone on the page. Or click the drop zone to open a file picker. Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, TIFF, WebP, and ZIP archives.
Wait a few seconds while the tool checks your file
The tool reads your file entirely inside your browser; nothing is sent to any server. It checks four things: file size, file format, DPI / resolution, and ZIP structure. Depending on your file size, this takes 3 to 10 seconds.
Read the results
A results panel appears showing what was checked and what happened. Green means that check passed. Orange means something was fixed or needs attention, with a plain-English explanation, not technical jargon.
Download your fixed file
If the tool made any changes (converted the format, compressed the size, or re-sorted a ZIP), a Download button appears. Click it to save the fixed file. Then upload it directly to your Etsy listing.
What the tool checks and fixes
File too large (over 20MB)
Converts your PNG, TIFF, or WebP to an optimised JPG at high quality. Brings the file well under Etsy's 20MB limit with no visible quality loss.
Low DPI / blurry prints
Reads the pixel dimensions and DPI metadata. If the effective resolution is below 300 DPI at the print size, it flags this with a clear explanation and tells you what to do.
Wrong file format
TIFF and WebP files are automatically converted to JPG. Over-compressed JPG files are detected and flagged. JPG is the standard format for Etsy print listings.
Disorganised ZIP file
Sorts your ZIP contents into four ratio folders: 2:3, 3:4, 4:5, and 1:1, and repackages them. Each ratio ZIP stays under 20MB so buyers always get the right size.
What a result looks like
Here is an example of what you might see after dropping in a large PNG wall art file:
The Download button then appears with your fixed 5.2MB JPG, ready to upload directly to Etsy.
Ready to fix your file? It takes under 10 seconds.
Fix your file free at Printable PrepTips for best results
Always export from Canva at the largest size you need. If you need an 11×14 inch print, set your Canva canvas to 11×14 inches before exporting. Printable Prep cannot add resolution that is not in the original file; it can only check and compress what is already there.
Use PNG as your source file. Export PNG from Canva and let Printable Prep convert it to an optimised JPG. This way you keep the highest quality original while getting a small file for Etsy.
For ZIP files, include all the sizes your buyers might need. Printable Prep will sort them into ratio packs automatically. The more sizes you include, the better the experience for buyers with different frame sizes.
Check the DPI result carefully. If the tool says your print resolution is below 300 DPI at your target print size, you will need to go back to Canva and re-export at larger pixel dimensions. Printable Prep tells you the maximum print size your file supports at 300 DPI so you know exactly what to fix.
Frequently asked questions
Is Printable Prep free to use?
Yes, completely free for processing one file at a time. No account needed, nothing to install.
Does Printable Prep upload my files to a server?
No. Everything runs in your browser. Your files never leave your computer and are never sent to any server. Your designs stay completely private.
What file types does Printable Prep accept?
JPG, PNG, TIFF, WebP, and ZIP archives. It does not currently support PDF, SVG, or vector formats.
What does Printable Prep actually fix?
Four things: files over 20MB (converts to optimised JPG), wrong format (converts TIFF/WebP to JPG), low DPI (flags with guidance), and disorganised ZIP files (sorts into 2:3, 3:4, 4:5, 1:1 ratio packs).
Can I use Printable Prep on my phone?
Yes. The tool works on any device with a modern browser: iPhone, Android, iPad. There is no app to install.