If you’ve ever purchased or downloaded a digital file and wondered “Now what?”, you’re not alone. At Matoy, we specialize in printable templates that bring your creativity to life — from DIY wall art to lawn decorations. In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly how to print a digital download and give you tips for turning it into stunning décor you can be proud of.
What is a Digital Download?
A digital download is a file (usually in formats like PDF or PNG) that you can download instantly after purchase. Instead of waiting for shipping, you print it yourself or at a print shop.
Matoy designs digital downloads to be easy, fun, and family-friendly. You can print:
- Silhouette templates for yard signs
- Full-color wall art for nurseries, classrooms, and birthday parties
- Life-size character cutouts for seasonal décor
- And much more!
What You'll Need to Get Started
Whether you're printing at home or using a local shop, here’s what you’ll need:
✅ A printer (inkjet or laser)
✅ Paper (standard, cardstock, or sticker paper depending on your project)
✅ Scissors or a cutting machine (optional for templates)
✅ Tape, glue, or mounting board (optional for assembly)
✅ Your Matoy file (downloaded and ready to open)
Option 1: Printing at Home
Step 1: Download Your File
From your Payhip or Etsy account, download your digital files — typically available as PDFs, PNGs, or ZIP files.
Step 2: Open the File
- Use Adobe Acrobat for PDFs (free to download)
- Use built-in photo viewers or design tools for PNGs
Step 3: Adjust Your Settings
- Set print size (choose Actual Size or Scale to Fit as needed)
- Paper type: Select 'Best Quality' and match the paper (photo paper, matte, etc.)
- Color settings: Use High Quality mode for vibrant colors
Step 4: Test a Page
If your download includes multiple pages, print one first to confirm layout and scale.
Step 5: Assemble if Needed
Some templates (like our life-size giraffe or chess pieces) print across multiple pages. Just trim the edges and tape them together.
Option 2: Using a Print Shop
No printer at home? No problem. Local and online shops like Staples, FedEx, Office Depot, or your neighborhood print shop can help.
Here’s what to bring:
- A USB with your files OR email the files directly to the shop
- Ask for help if you're unsure about size or paper type
What to request:
- Full color (Silhouettes use 5% Grey Fill + Pink Cutting Path)
- Cardstock or glossy photo paper if desired
Many print shops can even scale your file to poster size or mount it for you!
Creative Ways to Use Your Printed Template
Here’s where the fun begins! Turn your print into:
🖼️ DIY Wall Art – Frame a full-color cutout like our clown fish, gnome, or Mother's Day heart
🏡 Yard Decorations – Print, trace onto wood, cut, and paint (perfect for lawn displays!)
🎉 Party Props – Decorate your child’s birthday with themed silhouettes
📚 Classroom Decor – Add fun animal cutouts to bulletin boards or reading corners
🎁 Gifts – Customize and frame for holidays, baby showers, or Mother’s Day
You can browse Matoy’s full collection to spark ideas!
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Problem: Parts of the design are getting cut off
Fix: Choose Actual Size and check for printer margins
Problem: Colors don’t match what’s on screen
Fix: Try a different paper type or switch to a print shop with calibrated printers
Problem: Can't open the file
Fix: Make sure you’ve unzipped any ZIP files and have the right viewer (Adobe Acrobat for PDFs, image viewer for PNGs)
Try It Yourself — For Free!
Want to practice?
Download our Free Deer Silhouette Template and try printing it today:
Perfect for crafting, yard signs, or a rustic wall piece.
Final Tips
✅ Always preview your file before printing
✅ Test print on plain paper before using specialty sheets
✅ Don't be afraid to experiment — crafting is meant to be fun!
We hope this guide helps you feel confident turning digital downloads into something tangible and beautiful. If you have questions or want to share your project, tag us on Pinterest or send us an email — we love seeing your creations!
Happy printing,
— The Matoy Team ✂️🖨️🎨