Artists
What is a Giclée?
Definition: Giclée (pronounced “zhee-clay”) is a term used to describe fine art digital prints made on inkjet printers using archival-quality inks and substrates. The word comes from the French "gicler," meaning to spray or squirt, referencing the print process.
Originally coined in the 1990s to distinguish high-quality inkjet prints from lower-grade digital outputs, giclées are now common in the art market — especially for photography, digital illustration, and reproductions. Many artists use the giclée process for open or limited editions, often printed on cotton rag paper or canvas.
While not considered traditional printmaking (like lithography or etching), a well-produced giclée can offer exceptional color accuracy, resolution, and longevity. The quality varies depending on the printer, ink set, paper, and whether the artist is involved in proofing.
