User Guide

1. Introduction

Canvas Print Hero is a desktop application for photographers who produce their own canvas prints. The app prepares your image files for print — scaling, quality checks, cropping, edge extension (gallery wrap), cut and staple markers, logo on the back — and exports print-ready files.

What Canvas Print Hero Can Do

• Prepare single images for canvas printing
• Create multi-panel wall art (triptych, diptych, up to 6 panels)
• Design collages with multiple photos on one canvas
• Automatically calculate edge extension (mirror, color fill, stretch, and more)
• Perform real-time DPI quality checks
• Draw markers for cutting, folding, and stapling
• Batch processing for multiple images with the same settings
• Export print-ready files (TIFF, JPEG, PDF) — with ICC profile

What Canvas Print Hero Is Not

Canvas Print Hero is not an image editor (no filters, retouching, or layers), not RIP software, and not a RAW converter. The app is specialized for exactly one workflow: from a finished photo to a print-ready canvas print.

Canvas Print Hero does not print directly. Instead, it creates print-ready files (TIFF, JPEG, PDF). You open these in your printer software (e.g., Dinax Mirage, Canon PPL, Epson Print Layout, Adobe Lightroom, or any other RIP software) and send them to your printer.

2. Installation & System Requirements

System Requirements

Installation

macOS:

1. Download the .dmg file from canvasprinthero.com
2. Open the DMG file and drag Canvas Print Hero into the Applications folder
3. First launch: Right-click → Open (Gatekeeper confirmation)

Windows:

1. Download the .exe installer from canvasprinthero.com
2. Run the installer and follow the instructions
3. Canvas Print Hero will be available in the Start menu

Linux:

1. Download the .AppImage file
2. Make it executable: chmod +x CanvasPrintHero*.AppImage
3. Launch via double-click or terminal

Supported Image Formats

3. The User Interface

Canvas Print Hero has a Lightroom-like layout: the photo takes center stage, while settings are organized in compact panels in the sidebar.

Toolbar

The toolbar at the top contains:

• Mode Switcher: Single Image, Multi-Panel, Collage
• Open: Load images (also via drag & drop into the window)
• Recent Files: Quick access to recently loaded images
• Export: Export the current image as a print-ready file
• Toggle Sidebar
• Settings and Info

Sidebar

The sidebar on the left contains collapsible panels for every aspect of print preparation. The available panels vary depending on the selected mode.

Filmstrip

The filmstrip at the bottom shows all loaded images as scrollable thumbnails. Click an image to select it as the active image. Each image stores its own settings (crop, canvas size, wrap, etc.) individually.

Status Bar

At the bottom you can see at a glance: file name, resolution, DPI, color space, file size, and zoom level.

4. Getting Started: Loading & Preview

Opening an Image

There are several ways to load an image:

1. Drag & Drop: Drag an image file directly into the application window
2. Open Button: Click "Open" in the toolbar (or Cmd/Ctrl + O)
3. Recent Files: Click the clock icon next to the Open button
4. Menu: File → Open Images...
5. Double-click: Image files can be associated with Canvas Print Hero

When loading an image, the following happens automatically:

• Metadata is read (resolution, DPI, color space, ICC profile)
• A preview thumbnail is generated
• The default canvas configuration is applied
• The DPI quality check is performed

Loading Multiple Images

You can load multiple images at once — they appear in the filmstrip at the bottom. Click an image in the filmstrip to select it as the active image. Each image remembers its individual settings.

View Modes

In the View menu (or toolbar) you can switch between three display modes:

• Source Image (Cmd/Ctrl + 8): Shows the original image without edge extension
• Print Preview (Cmd/Ctrl + 9): Shows the image with edge extension and markers, as it will be printed
• Montage (Cmd/Ctrl + 0): Shows a wall sketch with dimensions (multi-panel mode only)

5. Canvas Size Configuration

In the Canvas Size panel you set how large the finished canvas print should be.

Choose a Preset Size

Select one of the built-in standard sizes from the dropdown menu. Sizes are sorted by category:

• Standard sizes (e.g., 60 x 40 cm, 80 x 60 cm)
• Panorama sizes (e.g., 120 x 40 cm)
• Square sizes (e.g., 50 x 50 cm)

Custom Dimensions

You can also enter custom dimensions directly into the width and height fields. The unit (mm or inches) depends on your setting (see Settings).

Orientation

• Landscape / Portrait: Click the respective button to toggle orientation (width and height are swapped)
• Orientation is automatically suggested based on the image format

Frame Depth

The frame depth determines how "thick" the stretcher frame is — and thus how wide the side surfaces are that get filled with the edge extension.

• 20 mm: Slim, modern, more affordable — fits better on narrow walls
• 38-40 mm: Standard, looks more premium and makes the image "float"

Overlap

The overlap is a small image margin that prevents the stretcher frame edge from becoming visible — especially when the printed canvas is not perfectly aligned on the frame. It essentially covers the rounding at the edge.

• Recommended value: 3 mm (ideal in most cases)
• Added on all four sides
• Acts as a "shift" of the image toward the edge

Back Margin

The back margin defines an additional white margin on the back of the canvas. This area can be used for edge labels (file name, date, canvas format) and your logo.

• Typical value: 0-30 mm
• Fold/cut markers are also printed in this area
• The logo (if configured) is placed in this area

Total Print Size

At the bottom of the panel you can see the calculated total print size:

6. Cropping

The crop determines which part of your photo appears on the visible front of the canvas print.

Using the Crop

1. In the preview area you can see a crop overlay on your image
2. Move: Drag the crop frame to the desired position. Note: In collage mode, you move the frame with a normal click. Hold Alt/Opt to move the image within the frame (when zoomed)
3. Resize: Drag the corners or edges of the frame. You can also use the scroll wheel to zoom the image within the frame
4. The aspect ratio is locked to the canvas size by default

Crop Tips

• The darkened area outside the crop is used for edge extension (if enough margin is available)
• The DPI indicator updates in real time as you adjust the crop — a smaller crop yields a higher DPI
• Each image in the filmstrip stores its crop individually

7. DPI Quality Check

Canvas Print Hero immediately shows you whether your image has enough resolution for the selected canvas size. The indicator works like a traffic light:

• Green (150+ DPI): Excellent print quality. The image is sharp and rich in detail.
• Yellow (100-150 DPI): Acceptable. At a normal viewing distance (1-2 meters) the result will look good.
• Red (below 100 DPI): Low quality. The image will appear blurry on closer inspection.

What does DPI mean? DPI (Dots Per Inch) describes how many image dots are printed per inch. The more dots, the finer and sharper the printed image. DPI depends on two factors:

1. Image resolution — the number of pixels in your photo (e.g., 6000 x 4000 pixels)
2. Print size — how large the canvas is in centimeters or inches

A 24-megapixel photo (6000 x 4000) is sufficient for a 100 x 70 cm canvas at about 152 DPI — just in the green zone.

Quality Panel

The quality panel shows detailed information:

• Effective DPI: The actual resolution for the chosen canvas size
• Image Resolution: Original pixel dimensions of your image
• Target Resolution: Required pixel dimensions
• Scaling Factor: How much the image is enlarged or reduced
• Maximum Canvas Size at 150 DPI: The largest canvas size at which your image still delivers optimal quality
• ICC Profile: Name of the embedded color profile

8. Edge Extension (Gallery Wrap)

When printing on canvas, the image is wrapped around the stretcher frame. The edge extension (wrap method) determines what appears on the side surfaces of the frame — the 2-5 cm that fold around the corner.

Mirror Wrap

The image edges are copied and mirrored onto the side surfaces. This is the most popular method as it looks natural and professional.

• Advantage: Looks natural and professional
• Disadvantage: With strong patterns at the edges, the mirror effect may be visible
• Feather (Transition): Soft transition at the mirror edge (0-10 px). Default: 3 px. A higher value better conceals the mirror seam.
• Recommendation: Best choice for most subjects

Color Fill

The edges are filled with a uniform color. By default, the average color of the image border is used, but you can also choose any color.

• Advantage: Clean and minimalist
• Disadvantage: Can contrast with the image
• Color Options: Color picker, dominant image color (auto), white, or black
• Recommendation: Great for images with light/dark edges or when a modern gallery look is desired

Stretch

The outermost pixels of the image are stretched across the entire edge depth. This creates a soft, gradient-like effect.

• Advantage: No abrupt transition
• Disadvantage: Can look streaky, especially with high-contrast edges
• Recommendation: Works well for images with uniform edges (e.g., sky)

Average Color

For each side, the average color of the border area is calculated. A subtle color gradient connects the image to the side surface.

• Advantage: Always harmonizes with the image
• Disadvantage: With colorful images, the result can be a muddy brown tone
• Recommendation: Subtle alternative to mirror wrap

Image Wrap

The image continues beyond the edges. A larger portion of the original image is used for this. The image content on the edges is "real".

• Advantage: No artificial effect — the image "flows" around the frame
• Disadvantage: Part of the image disappears onto the edge and is not visible from the front
• Recommendation: Ideal when there is enough "room" at the image edges

Wrap Method Per App Mode

Your selected wrap method is saved per app mode (Single Image, Multi-Panel, Collage). This way you can use different methods in different modes.

9. Markers (Cut, Fold, Staple)

Canvas Print Hero can embed cut and fold markers directly into the export. These lines help with precise stretching of the canvas onto the frame.

Fold Lines

Indicate where the canvas needs to be folded around the edge of the stretcher frame. They run as thin lines along the edges of the visible image area. Additionally, two markers in each corner enable precise positioning of the print on the frame.

Cut Lines

Mark the outer cutting edge, in case the canvas needs to be trimmed after printing.

Staple Positions

Small markers on the overlap indicating where the canvas should be stapled to the stretcher frame.

Additional Markers

Configuring Markers

In the Markers panel you can:

• Toggle each marker type individually on/off
• Set the staple spacing (default: 50 mm, range: 30-80 mm)
• Choose the line color (default: blue — visible on most images)
• Adjust the line weight

All markers are optional and can be individually enabled and disabled in the print settings.

10. Edge Labels

In the non-visible wrap area (the part that wraps around the stretcher frame), information can be automatically printed as text. After stretching, these labels are invisible but help with identification and production.

Available Label Fields

The following fields are available (individually toggleable):

• File name (e.g., DSC_1234.jpg)
• Print date (automatic)
• Canvas format (e.g., 60 x 40 cm, Gallery 38mm)
• DPI info (e.g., 213 DPI)
• Photographer (from settings)
• Copyright (from settings or EXIF)
• Custom text (free-form, e.g., order number)

Configuration

• Position: Top or bottom edge, or left or right edge
• Alignment: Left, center, or right / top, center, or bottom

11. Presets

Save frequently used configurations as presets to reuse them with a single click.

Built-in Presets

Custom Presets

1. Configure all settings as desired
2. Click "Save as..." in the Presets panel
3. Enter a name and optionally a description
4. The preset appears in the dropdown under "Custom"

A saved preset includes: canvas size, frame depth, overlap, wrap method, and wrap parameters.

12. Multi-Panel Mode (Triptych & Multi-Panel)

In multi-panel mode, a single photo is split across multiple canvases. The panels are hung side by side on the wall and together form the complete image.

Activate the Mode

Click Multi-Panel in the toolbar (or Cmd/Ctrl + 2).

Choose a Layout

Panel Configuration

• Add/Remove Panels: Via the +/- buttons
• Panel Size: Each panel has individual width x height
• Wall Gap: The spacing between panels on the wall (default: 20 mm). Taken into account when splitting the image, so the picture aligns correctly after hanging.

Alignment & Distribution

With multiple panels selected, alignment tools are available:

• Align: Left, right, top, bottom, center horizontal/vertical
• Distribute: Evenly horizontal or vertical
• Match Size: Equal width, height, or both

Montage View

Switch to the Montage View (Cmd/Ctrl + 0) to see a wall sketch with all panels, dimensions, and spacing. This helps with planning your wall layout.

Export

Each panel is exported as a separate file:

photo_panel_1of3.tiff, photo_panel_2of3.tiff, photo_panel_3of3.tiff

13. Collage Mode

In collage mode, multiple photos are arranged on a single canvas.

Activate the Mode

Click Collage in the toolbar (or Cmd/Ctrl + 3).

Choose a Template

Start with one of the 9 built-in templates:

You can also create and save custom templates.

Assign Images

1. Load multiple images — they appear in the filmstrip at the bottom
2. Drag & Drop: Drag an image from the filmstrip onto a frame in the collage
3. Each frame can contain a different image

Frame Settings

Individually adjustable per frame:

• Position & Size: Via drag or in the input fields (mm)
• Opacity: 0-100%
• Border: Width (pt) and color
• Shadow: Blur, offset, color
• Layer: Bring to front / send to back
• DPI Indicator: Quality indicator per frame

Canvas Settings

• Background Color: Freely choosable via color picker
• Padding: Spacing between frames and canvas edge (0-30 mm)
• Grid: Show/hide for precise alignment (via the View menu)
• Snap: To grid and/or to edges of other frames (via the View menu)

Undo / Redo

In collage mode, up to 50 undo steps are available (Cmd/Ctrl + Z and Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + Z).

14. Backside Design & Logo Manager

Integrate your logo on the back of your canvas prints.

Logo Manager

The logo manager allows you to store multiple logos (e.g., studio logo, client logo, minimal version):

1. Click "Add Logo" in the Backside panel
2. Select a PNG or SVG file (transparency recommended)
3. Configure per logo profile:
   • Position: Top/Bottom
   • Size: 10-100% of the backside
   • Opacity: 10-100%

Information Text (Edge Labels)

In addition to the logo, information can be automatically placed on the backside:

• Image title, photographer, copyright
• Print date, canvas size
• Custom text (e.g., edition number)

Export

The backside is exported as a separate file (e.g., photo_backside.pdf), mirrored and in the correct print dimensions.

15. Batch Processing

Process multiple images in one go with the same settings.

Workflow

1. Load multiple images (via the open dialog with multi-select or drag & drop)
2. Configure the desired canvas settings (or select a preset)
3. Choose an output folder in the Batch area
4. Click "Export All"

Progress Display

During batch processing you can see:

• Progress bar with percentage
• Currently processing file
• Status per image: Pending (gray), Processing (gold), Done (green), Error (red)

Error Handling

• An error on one image does not stop the entire batch
• After completion, a summary with success/error count is displayed
• Error messages are shown per image

Individual Settings

In the filmstrip you can select images individually and adjust their crop before starting the batch. With "Apply to All" you transfer the current settings to all selected images.

16. Export

Export Formats

Export Options

In the Export panel you configure:

• Format: TIFF, JPEG, or PDF
• Embed ICC Profile: The original color profile is stored in the file

Export Process

1. Click "Export" (or Cmd/Ctrl + E)
2. Choose the save location in the file dialog
3. Processing starts: Crop → Scaling → Wrap → Markers → ICC → Save
4. After completion: Confirmation with file size and path

File Naming Convention

For batch and multi-panel exports:

{original_name}_canvas_{width}x{height}_{wrap}.{format}

Example: DSC_1234_canvas_60x40_mirror.tiff

17. Settings

Open settings via the gear icon in the toolbar or Cmd/Ctrl + ,.

Appearance (Theme)

• Dark (default) — Ideal for image work in dimmed rooms
• Light — For bright working environments
• System — Follows the operating system setting

Units of Measurement

• Metric (mm) — Standard in Europe
• Imperial (inches) — Standard in the USA

All input fields, grid sizes, and frame dimensions adjust automatically.

Language

• German and English in all editions
• Additional languages in preparation

Font Size

• Small, Medium (default), or Large — adjusts the entire user interface

18. Keyboard Shortcuts

General

Modes & Views

Grid & Snap

Filmstrip

19. License & Editions

Edition Comparison

Demo Version

The trial version offers the full feature set of all features. The only difference: exports include a watermark ("Made with Canvas Print Hero"). This allows you to test all features at your own pace before purchasing.

Activate a License

1. Purchase Canvas Print Hero at canvasprinthero.com
2. You will receive a license key via email
3. Open Canvas Print Hero → Menu → License...
4. Enter your key and click Activate
5. The license is unlocked immediately

Device Count

• Standard: 2 devices simultaneously
• Pro: 3 devices simultaneously
• Devices can be deactivated at any time in the license management

Pricing Model

Canvas Print Hero is a one-time purchase — no subscriptions, no recurring fees. All updates within the major version (v1.x) are included.

20. Frequently Asked Questions

General

Does Canvas Print Hero work with my printer?

Canvas Print Hero does not print directly. Instead, it creates print-ready files (TIFF, JPEG, PDF). You open these in your printer software (e.g., Mirage, Canon PPL, Epson Print Layout, or any other RIP software).

Is Canvas Print Hero an alternative to Photoshop?

For the specific workflow "photo to canvas print," Canvas Print Hero is a much faster and simpler alternative to Photoshop. Mirror wrap, edge extension, frame cropping, markers, and DPI checks — all automated in one app, without an Adobe subscription.

Can I load RAW files?

No. RAW files must first be developed in a RAW converter (Lightroom, Capture One, etc.) and exported as TIFF or JPEG.

Quality & Color

Why does the DPI indicator show red/yellow?

Your image does not have enough resolution for the chosen canvas size. Solutions: Choose a smaller canvas size, use a smaller crop, or use an image with higher resolution.

What happens to my ICC profile?

Canvas Print Hero reads embedded ICC profiles and re-embeds them on export. Processing happens in the source color space — no unnecessary conversion is performed. If no profile is present, sRGB is assumed.

What is the recommended DPI for canvas printing?

150 DPI is sufficient for canvas prints in most cases. The canvas texture masks fine details. Above 100 DPI the quality is still acceptable; below 100 DPI, pixels become visible.

License & Purchase

Can I try the software before buying?

Yes! The trial version offers the full feature set. Exports include a watermark that disappears after purchase.

Are there subscription fees?

No. One-time purchase, no recurring payments. All updates within the major version are included.

How many devices can I use the software on?

Standard: 2 devices. Pro: 3 devices. You can deactivate devices at any time and free up the slot for a new device.

How do I get a refund?

Within 14 days of purchase — via the customer portal or contact us directly. Details in our refund policy.

Technical

How much storage does Canvas Print Hero need?

The installation size is under 50 MB. RAM usage depends on image size: about 150 MB for a single 50 MP image, about 500 MB in batch mode with 10 images.

Does Canvas Print Hero run on Linux?

Yes! Canvas Print Hero is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux. The Windows and Linux versions are currently in beta. Supported distributions include Ubuntu, Fedora, and Arch Linux via AppImage and .deb.

Does the app support metric and imperial units?

Yes. In the settings you can switch between millimeters and inches. All sizes, grids, and frame dimensions adjust automatically.