Giclée Printing vs Digital Printing: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve been researching fine art prints, you’ve likely come across the term giclée printing—often used interchangeably with digital printing. But are they the same thing? And if not, which should you choose for your artwork or photography?

At SE1 Picture Frames, we specialise in museum-quality digital printing that meets and often surpasses the standards traditionally associated with giclée. In this article, we break down the differences between the two and explain how to get the best results for your prints—without the jargon.

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What Is Giclée Printing?

Giclée (pronounced zhee-clay) is a French term that means “to spray” and refers to the inkjet printing process. It was coined in the 1990s to distinguish fine art-quality prints from standard inkjet or offset printing.

To be considered a true giclée, a print must typically meet these criteria:

• High-resolution file (usually 300 DPI or above)
• Pigment-based archival inks (not dye-based)
• Acid-free, archival-quality paper or canvas
• Inkjet printing with precise droplet control

Originally, giclée was a marketing term—but over time, it’s come to represent a benchmark for quality, particularly in the art and photography worlds.

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What Is Digital Printing?

Digital printing is a broader term that refers to any process where a digital file is printed directly onto a substrate(like paper or canvas), usually with an inkjet or laser printer.

Digital printing can range from low-end desktop printers to high-end archival printing systems, like the one we use at SE1 Picture Frames.

That’s why not all digital prints are giclée—but all giclée prints are a form of digital printing.

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Giclée Printing vs Digital Printing: Key Differences

Feature	Giclée Printing	General Digital Printing
Ink Type	Pigment-based archival inks (e.g. UltraChrome HDR)	Can be pigment or dye-based
Print Quality	High-resolution, wide colour gamut	Varies—can be low to high quality
Paper Quality	Archival, acid-free, often 100% cotton	Can be any stock, including office-grade
Longevity	100–200 years with proper materials	Varies widely depending on ink and paper
Applications	Fine art, photography, limited editions	Flyers, posters, business documents, or art
Price Point	Higher (reflects museum-grade quality)	Broad range from low-cost to premium

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Why SE1’s Digital Printing Meets (and Exceeds) Giclée Standards

At SE1 Picture Frames, we don’t just print—we deliver gallery-quality, archival-standard prints that align fully with the best giclée practices. Our equipment and materials are carefully selected to provide exceptional results.

Our Printer: Epson Stylus Pro 9880

• Prints up to 2880 x 1440 dpi
• Uses UltraChrome HDR pigment inks
• Trusted by galleries and professionals worldwide
• Produces sharp detail and vibrant colour accuracy

Learn more about our equipment on our digital printing page.

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Our Papers: 100% Archival

We print exclusively on museum-grade papers including:

• Somerset Enhanced 330gsm
• Hahnemühle Photo Rag
• Woodstock Superfine 310gsm
• Epson Premium Lustre

Each paper is acid-free, lignin-free, and chosen to complement pigment inks for maximum longevity.

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Our Standards: Museum-Grade Results

• 300 DPI files required
• CMYK or colour-corrected workflows
• No shortcuts—every file is reviewed by hand
• Finishing and proofing options available

In short, our digital printing is giclée printing—without the inflated terminology. We’re proud to offer archival digital printing in London that fine artists, photographers, and galleries rely on.

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When to Choose Giclée-Level Printing

You should always choose archival-quality digital (giclée-standard) printing when:

• You’re selling limited editions of artwork or photography
• Prints will be exhibited in galleries or museums
• You want the artwork to last over 100 years without fading
• You’re framing for collectors or high-end interiors
• Colour accuracy and detail really matter

If you’re creating flyers or personal gifts, standard digital printing may suffice. But for serious work, giclée-standard quality is essential—and that’s what we deliver at SE1.