How to Print AI-Generated Birthday Cards
Turn your digital creations into beautiful physical cards with this step-by-step printing guide.
You've generated the perfect birthday image. Now you want to hold it in your hands. Printing AI art requires a few specific steps to ensure it looks as good on paper as it does on screen. Here is your comprehensive guide.
1. Choosing the Right Resolution
For printing, resolution is king. Screens display at 72 DPI (dots per inch), but printers need 300 DPI for crisp quality.
- Standard 5x7 Card: Needs an image at least 1500x2100 pixels.
- Recommendation: Use our "Upscale" feature or generate at the highest available resolution settings before downloading.
2. Selecting the Paper
The paper you choose changes the vibe of the card:
- Glossy Photo Paper: Best for realistic photos, vibrant colors, and sharp details. Great for "photorealistic" AI styles.
- Matte Cardstock: Best for illustrations, watercolors, and text-heavy designs. It looks more artistic and premium.
- Textured/Linen Paper: Amazing for "oil painting" or "vintage" styles, adding a physical texture that matches the visual style.
3. Preparing the File
Most home printers expect an RGB image (which is what AI generates), but professional print shops might want CMYK.
- Home Printing: Keep it as a high-quality PNG or JPG.
- Print Shop: Ask if they need a PDF with bleed. "Bleed" is an extra 1/8 inch of image around the edges that gets trimmed off so there are no white borders.
4. Adding Text
AI generates the image, but you might want to add "Happy Birthday Mom!" in a specific font.
Use free tools like Canva or Photoshop. Import your AI image as the background, add your text overlay, and then save the final composition for printing.
5. Printer Settings
Don't just hit print! Check your settings:
- Quality: Set to "High" or "Best" or "Photo".
- Paper Type: Select the exact paper you loaded (e.g., "Glossy Photo Paper"). This adjusts how much ink is laid down.
- Scaling: Make sure it says "100%" or "Do Not Scale" if you sized it correctly. Otherwise, "Fit to Page" might skew it.
6. Cutting and Folding
If you printed a folded card on a standard letter sheet:
- Use a ruler and an X-Acto knife for straight cuts (scissors are wobbly).
- Score the fold line before folding. Run a dull knife or bone folder along the ruler on the fold line. This prevents the paper from cracking when you fold it.
Conclusion
There is something special about a physical card. By taking a few minutes to prep your AI image correctly, you can create a professional-looking greeting card that costs pennies but looks like a million bucks.