Most of our documents are offered in two formats: a digital file you print yourself, or a printed copy shipped to you. The right choice depends on what you are doing with it — and on how much the paper matters.
What each format is
Digital — a high-resolution file delivered by email, sized to the original document. You print it locally, or keep it as a file.
Printed — we print on document stock and ship it, usually with tracking. The paper weight, texture and finish are already matched to the original style.
Side by side
| Digital | Printed | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lowest | Higher (includes print and shipping) |
| Speed | Same day by email | Production plus shipping time |
| Paper | Whatever your printer uses | Matched document stock |
| Best for | Props, previews, local printing | Framing, gifts, a finished object |
| Risk | Home printers rarely match the paper | Shipping time and cost |
When digital is the better choice
- You need it quickly and have a decent printer.
- It is a prop or a preview and the paper is not the point.
- You want to print several copies for a production.
- You are outside the shipping coverage area.
If you print at home, use the heaviest matte stock your printer accepts. Standard 80gsm office paper is the single biggest reason a printed replica looks wrong — it feels like a letter, not a diploma.
When printed is the better choice
- The document will be framed and seen up close.
- It is a gift, and the object matters as much as the design.
- You want the stock, seal finish and border to match the original.
- You are ordering a set (diploma plus transcript) and want them to match.
If you are not sure about the stock, request a free paper sample before ordering. It arrives by post and settles the question faster than any description.
What about “both”?
Most orders for framing end up choosing both: a digital file for a preview or a spare, and a printed copy for the frame. It costs a little more than either alone and removes the risk of a bad local print.
Sizing still matters
Whichever format you choose, the file is produced at the original document size — letter, A4, or an oversized format. If it is going into an existing frame, measure the frame opening first. Our framing guide lists the standard sizes and the mat widths that fit them.
All documents are novelty reproductions for display, keepsakes and props — not official records.
Common questions
Can I print the digital file myself?
Yes. For best results use heavy matte card stock and print at 100% scale — do not let the printer “fit to page”, which shrinks the document slightly.
Is the digital file watermark-free?
Yes, the delivered file is clean and print-ready.
Which format do most people choose?
For framing, printed. For props and previews, digital.
Related guides
- How Much Does a Replica Diploma Cost? — price of each format
- Diploma Covers vs Frames: Which Should You Use? — protecting or displaying the document
- Diploma Props for Film and Theatre: A Production Guide — printing multiple copies for a production