Krita for Beginners: Exporting for Web and Print with Correct Settings

Why exporting is different from saving

In Krita, saving preserves your editable project (layers, masks, filters, transparency, guides, etc.). Exporting creates a delivery file for a specific use (web upload, client preview, print shop). Treat these as separate outputs: one master file you keep updating, and multiple exports tailored to where the image will be viewed or printed.

Use the right file type for the job

Resolution, pixel size, and when each matters

Pixel dimensions (web and screens)

For web, what matters most is pixel dimensions (e.g., 1920×1080). DPI/PPI metadata is mostly ignored by browsers and social platforms. If your image looks soft online, it is usually because the pixel dimensions are too small or the platform is scaling it.

Print size (inches/cm) and DPI/PPI

For print, you must think in physical size and resolution. A common target is 300 PPI for high-quality prints viewed up close. Posters viewed from farther away can often use less (e.g., 150–200 PPI), but only follow that if the printer confirms.

• Rule of thumb: Print pixels = inches × PPI. Example: 8×10 inches at 300 PPI → 2400×3000 px.
• Don’t confuse: Changing PPI metadata without changing pixels does not add detail; it only changes the implied print size.

Scaling without quality loss (what is and isn’t possible)

Scaling down is safe (you keep detail, just sample it smaller). Scaling up cannot create real detail; it can only interpolate. If you must upscale, do it once, keep the master, and avoid repeated resampling.

• Best practice: Keep a large .kra master, export smaller web versions from it.
• Avoid: Exporting JPEG, re-opening it, editing, and exporting again—compression artifacts accumulate.

Color management for delivery: sRGB, embedded profiles, and CMYK requests

sRGB for web

For web and general screen viewing, sRGB is the safest color space. Many devices and apps assume sRGB; exporting in a different profile can cause dull or shifted colors if the viewer ignores color management.

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• When exporting for web, aim to embed the sRGB profile if the export options allow it.
• If you notice color shifts between Krita and a browser, verify that your document is in sRGB and that the export embeds the profile.

When CMYK conversion may be required

Some printers require CMYK files or will convert your RGB file to CMYK themselves. CMYK conversion can change saturation and dark values, especially in bright blues/greens and intense reds.

• Always ask the printer for their required format, profile, and specs (e.g., “FOGRA39”, “US Web Coated SWOP”, specific PDF preset).
• If the printer accepts RGB and manages conversion, delivering a high-quality RGB TIFF/PDF may be preferred.
• If they require CMYK, you may need to convert using a specific ICC profile. In Krita, CMYK support exists but many artists prefer doing final CMYK conversion and proofing with the printer’s guidance and a calibrated workflow.

Practical checks to avoid surprises

• Soft-proof mindset: Expect CMYK prints to look less saturated than RGB screens.
• Embed profiles: Deliver files with embedded ICC profiles unless the printer explicitly says not to.
• Black handling: Ask whether they want rich black or pure K for large dark areas (varies by print process).

Transparency, trimming, and safe edges

Transparent backgrounds

If you need transparency (logos, stickers, overlays), export to PNG or WebP with alpha. JPEG cannot store transparency.

• Before exporting, hide any “paper” or background fill layer if you need a transparent background.
• After export, verify transparency by opening the file in another viewer/editor that shows a checkerboard or by placing it over a colored background.

Trimming and cropping to content

Sometimes you want the exported image to be tightly cropped to the artwork (no extra empty canvas). Use trimming/cropping intentionally:

• Crop to composition: Use the crop tool to define the final frame.
• Trim to content: If you have transparent margins and want a tight bounding box, use a trim function if available in your version, or manually crop after selecting the content bounds.

Bleed and safe area (print)

Print often needs bleed (extra image beyond the cut line) and a safe area (important details kept away from edges). Requirements vary, but a common bleed is 3 mm.

• Set your canvas to include bleed if the printer requests it (e.g., final size + 3 mm on each side).
• Keep text/logos inside a safe margin so trimming doesn’t cut them.

Export settings by format (what to choose and why)

PNG (web, transparency, crisp edges)

• Use PNG for illustrations with flat areas, UI-like shapes, or when you need transparency.
• PNG is lossless; file sizes can be larger than JPEG.

JPEG (web, smaller files, no transparency)

• Use JPEG for painterly images or photos where slight compression is acceptable.
• Choose a quality setting that balances size and artifacts (test at 80–95%).
• Avoid exporting lineart-heavy images as JPEG if you need crisp edges; compression can create halos.

WebP (web, modern balance)

• WebP can be lossy or lossless and can support transparency.
• Great for smaller file sizes, but confirm your target platform supports it.

TIFF (print, high quality)

• TIFF is widely accepted for print and preserves high bit depth and quality.
• Ask whether the printer wants flattened TIFF (common) or layered (less common).

PDF (proofing and some print workflows)

• PDF is useful for sharing proofs and sometimes for print submission.
• Confirm required PDF version and whether they want crop marks/bleed marks.

Step-by-step export exercise (web, print, and archive)

This exercise produces three deliverables from one illustration: a web-sized image, a print-ready high-resolution file, and a layered archive. Do the steps in order to avoid accidental resampling or color/profile mismatches.

0) Prepare your file and naming

• Decide a base name, e.g., forest_owl.
• Create a simple naming scheme: forest_owl_MASTER_v01.kra, forest_owl_WEB_1920px_sRGB.png, forest_owl_PRINT_A4_300ppi.tif.
• Make sure your master file is clean: no hidden test layers you don’t want to accidentally export.

1) Save the layered archive (.kra)

1. Go to File → Save As…
2. Choose .kra and save as forest_owl_MASTER_v01.kra
3. If you iterate, increment versions: v02, v03, etc.

Why first? You lock in an editable snapshot before making any export-specific changes.

2) Export a web-sized version (sRGB, correct pixels, optional transparency)

1. Decide the target pixel size. Example: longest side 1920 px for portfolio viewing.
2. Duplicate the document if you want to keep the master untouched during resizing (recommended for beginners): File → Save As… and create forest_owl_WEB_work.kra.
3. Resize for web: use Image → Scale Image to New Size… and set the longest side to 1920 px (keep aspect ratio).
4. Confirm color profile is sRGB (use your color management settings/workflow). If you are unsure, prioritize exporting in sRGB and embedding the profile.
5. If you need transparency, hide the background layer (or ensure it has alpha).
6. Export: File → Export… choose PNG (or WebP), name it forest_owl_WEB_1920px_sRGB.png.
7. In export options, ensure transparency is preserved (for PNG/WebP) and embed the profile if available.

3) Export a print-ready version (size, PPI, bleed, TIFF/PDF)

1. Return to your master (forest_owl_MASTER_v01.kra) so you are not upscaling from the web version.
2. Confirm the required print size. Example: A4 at 300 PPI (or the printer’s spec).
3. Set print dimensions: use Image → Scale Image to New Size… and set the physical size and PPI (or set pixel dimensions directly based on the formula). Only upscale if you must, and do it once.
4. If the printer requires bleed, ensure your canvas includes it (final size + bleed). Keep critical details inside a safe margin.
5. Flattening decision: if the printer wants a flattened file, you can export flattened without destroying your master by exporting directly (do not merge layers in the master unless you intend to).
6. Export: File → Export… choose TIFF and name it forest_owl_PRINT_A4_300ppi.tif. If they requested PDF, export to .pdf instead and follow their preset requirements.
7. Color profile: deliver what the printer asked for. If they accept RGB, keep it in RGB with embedded profile. If they require CMYK, convert using their ICC profile and re-check colors before exporting.

4) Verify the exports (dimensions, profile, and visual checks)

Verification is part of exporting. Don’t assume the settings “took.”

1. Open the exported web file (PNG/JPEG/WebP) in Krita or another viewer. Check that the pixel dimensions match your target (e.g., 1920 px on the long side).
2. Check transparency: if you exported with alpha, confirm the background is truly transparent (not white). In Krita, add a temporary colored layer underneath to test.
3. Open the print file (TIFF/PDF) and check: pixel dimensions, intended physical size, and PPI metadata. Ensure no unexpected cropping occurred and that bleed (if used) is present.
4. Check color: compare the exported file to your master. If colors look different, confirm the exported file has the expected embedded profile (sRGB for web; printer-specified for print). If you see a shift, re-export with correct profile embedding or correct conversion.
5. Zoom inspection: at 100% zoom, look for JPEG artifacts (blockiness/halos) and banding in gradients. If present, raise quality or switch to PNG/WebP lossless for web.

Common delivery scenarios (quick recipes)

Portfolio image (web)

• Export PNG or WebP
• Longest side 1600–2560 px (depending on platform)
• sRGB, profile embedded
• Sharpen lightly only if downscaling made it too soft (apply once, then export)

Client preview (fast review)

• Export JPEG (quality ~85–95) if no transparency
• Add a subtle watermark only if required (but keep a clean version too)
• Keep file size reasonable for email

Print shop submission

• Ask for: final size, bleed, PPI, accepted formats, required ICC profile, and whether they accept RGB
• Export TIFF or PDF as requested
• Embed profile; don’t rely on “it will be fine” conversions