Emilya Sepoyan
Emilya Sepoyan May 27, 2025 • 3 min read
Emilya Sepoyan is a junior content contributor at Square Signs. She loves finding the perfect words to tell stories and connect with audiences. If you’re looking for creative design ideas or tips to bring your projects to life, she's here to help.

The key to standout design solutions lies not only in color and composition, but also in material and rendering, which are equally important for the final result.

Have you ever wondered how to print on metal to get that vibrant and modern display? As sign printing techniques are rapidly evolving, creating high-quality displays is more accessible than ever. In today’s fast-changing design trends, metal signs continue to grow in popularity, turning into a lasting favorite.

Follow the steps in this “how to print on metal” guide
and discover pro tips to get the best possible results.

How to Print Photos on Metal in 3 Steps

Geometric glass house against a soft sunset background, printed on metal decorating the wall

Photos truly come to life when printed. Whether you are a professional or amateur photographer, this step-by-step guide will teach you how to print pictures on metal and display them in a modern way.

Step 1: Access an Online Design Platform

Start by choosing a reliable platform for your design. Create your unique metal photo prints with our intuitive sign design tool. User-friendly and free of charge, it requires no design experience.

Step 2: Select Material, Size, and More

Opt for a size that best fits your needs from compact to large displays, we’ve got you covered. Continue with selecting the material. You can choose between dibond and standard aluminum. Both are material options for aluminum signs, but the former features layered construction that offers greater durability, making it perfect for outdoor displays.

Step 3: Create Your Design and Order

We have reached the last step of how to print pictures on metal! Upload your photo or create a design from scratch using one of our customizable sign templates. Once your design is finalized, you are ready to place the order. The growing demand for such displays is proof that they’re a go-to choice for those seeking durability and sleek aesthetics.

Looking for another sleek medium for decorative purposes? Acrylic signs are worth exploring.

How to Print on Metal: Pro Tips

After you’ve learned the basics of how to print on metal at home with our design platform, it’s time to elevate your skills. Here are some pro tips to help you achieve the exact look you envisioned for your metal display.

Prioritize Image Quality

High-resolution photos and designs are key to premium-quality results. During step 3 of how to print photos on metal, it’s essential to double-check your photo’s resolution to avoid pixelation, especially for large-scale projects. 

Optimize Image Composition

Before placing your order, pay attention to image cropping as well. Make sure the important elements, like faces or texts, are not positioned too close to the edges to prevent them from being cut off. Always leave margin spaces for your safety.

Pre-Plan Mounting

When learning how to print on metal, best practices recommend planning the mounting option and location. Make sure your mounting choice works well with your walls, as the installation area plays an equally important role. Your metal display should pair well with other decorative elements and match the overall aesthetic of your space.

Trendy Ideas for Interior Design

Black and white portrait of a woman printed on metal and installed with standoffs

Now that you know how to print on metal, here are some ideas that will inspire you to create custom signs without missing out on trends.

Triptych Wall Art

Elevate your space by decorating it with your favorite artworks. When printed on metal, triptychs coordinate well with contemporary decor trends and draw the eye. However, if you prefer a glass-like effect, acrylic photo prints are a perfect alternative for you.

Portraits That Pop

Our portraits are no less than artworks for each of us. Printing them on metal will give your portrait depth and dimension, providing a futuristic look. If you want a large yet lighter medium, consider gator board printing as an alternative.

Words to Inspire

You no longer need to wonder how to print letters on metal. Our online platform allows you to add a motivational quote that resonates with you. In step 3 of how to print photos on metal, you can click on the “Text” button and type your favorite quote. If you want to update it once in a while, you can also consider an alternative decorative medium, such as foam board printing.