How to Print Your Map Poster — The Complete Guide

You've just designed a beautiful custom map poster in MapMyTrail. You hit download, and now you're holding a 300 DPI PNG file. What next?

This guide covers everything: printing at home, using a print shop, ordering online, choosing the right paper, and framing your poster so it looks professional.

Understanding your download

MapMyTrail exports at 300 DPI (dots per inch) — the industry standard for professional print quality. Your file is a high-resolution PNG with no compression artifacts, which means it'll look sharp and crisp at any size up to A1 (594×841mm / 23.4×33.1 inches).

• A4 (210×297mm) — desk or small wall display
• A3 (297×420mm) — the sweet spot for framed wall art
• Polaroid / Instax Mini — perfect for photo walls, gifts, or scrapbooks

Option 1: Print at home

If you have a decent inkjet printer, you can print at home immediately. Here's how to get the best results:

• Paper: Use matte or semi-gloss photo paper (not regular copy paper). Brands like Canon Luster, Epson Premium Matte, or HP Advanced Photo Paper all work great.
• Settings: Set your printer to "Best Quality" or "High Resolution". Select the correct paper type in your printer settings — this changes how much ink is laid down.
• Size: Print at A4 for best results on home printers. Most inkjet printers handle this perfectly.
• Colour: If your poster looks slightly different on screen vs. print, that's normal. Screens use RGB light; printers use CMYK ink. For most map styles, the difference is minimal.

Option 2: Use a local print shop

For larger sizes (A3, A2, or A1), a local print shop gives you professional results at a fraction of online prices:

• Staples / FedEx Office / OfficeMax — walk in with your PNG on a USB stick. A3 poster prints are usually $5-15.
• Local print shops — often cheaper and better quality than chains. Search "poster printing near me".
• Costco / Walmart Photo Centre — surprisingly good quality for the price. Upload online, pick up in store.

Tip: Ask for matte or lustre finish, not glossy. Glossy creates glare behind glass if you're framing it.

Option 3: Order online (printed & shipped)

If you want it printed, framed, and delivered to your door — or if you're sending it as a gift — these services are excellent:

• Framebridge (US) — upload your PNG, choose a frame, and they print + frame + ship. Premium quality, ~$65-150 depending on size and frame.
• Snapfish / Photobox (UK/EU) — affordable prints and canvas wraps. Good for budget-friendly framed gifts.
• Printful / Printify — print-on-demand services. Great if you want canvas, metal, or acrylic prints.
• Society6 / Redbubble — upload and order as art prints, framed prints, or canvas. Convenient but pricier.

Choosing the right paper

The paper you print on dramatically affects how your poster looks and feels:

• Matte paper — no glare, soft feel, professional look. Best for framed posters behind glass. Our top recommendation.
• Semi-gloss / Lustre — slight sheen, vivid colours. Good compromise between matte and glossy.
• Glossy — brightest colours but creates reflections. Avoid if framing behind glass.
• Canvas — textured, gallery-style feel. Great for larger prints without a frame.
• Card stock — thick, sturdy. Perfect for Polaroid and Instax formats as standalone display pieces.

Framing your map poster

A good frame elevates your poster from "nice print" to "real art". Here are our recommendations:

• Black or white slim frames — classic, minimal, works with every map style. IKEA RIBBA frames are the go-to budget option.
• Natural wood frames — warm and organic, pairs beautifully with Vintage Green and Rusty map styles.
• Floating frames — modern look where the print appears to float inside the frame. Great for a gallery wall.
• No frame (poster hanger) — magnetic wooden hangers at the top and bottom. Clean, minimal, Scandinavian feel.

Pro tip: Add a white mat/mount between the print and frame. It gives visual breathing room and makes any print look more expensive.

Display ideas

• Gallery wall — print 3-5 race posters in matching frames for a "race resume" wall
• Desk display — Polaroid format in a small easel frame, perfect for your office
• Gift wrapping — roll the print in tissue paper inside a poster tube, or go premium with a pre-framed delivery from Framebridge
• Photo wall — mix Instax-sized map posters with regular photos for a creative collage

Quick checklist

1. Download your poster from MapMyTrail (300 DPI PNG)
2. Choose your size: A4 (home), A3 (print shop), or larger
3. Pick your paper: matte for framing, lustre for standalone
4. Print at home, at a local shop, or order online
5. Frame it (slim black frame + white mat = can't go wrong)
6. Hang it and admire your journey on the wall

Your poster is already designed. Now go print it.

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