Posters: Design Ready vs Production mode
Posters are the one Elistit product with a two-phase pipeline. Generate the image first, decide if you like it, then produce the print-ready file when you're ready.
Posters are the only Elistit product where you split generation from production. Every other product type generates → processes → delivers in one continuous run. Posters pause halfway through so you can decide whether the image is worth the upscale credits.
Why posters work this way
Unlike wall art, clipart, sticker, and SVG — which are digital downloads the buyer receives via Etsy auto-delivery — posters are physical prints. The image gets fulfilled by a print-on-demand partner (PrintShrimp or similar), so a weak poster image costs you not just credits but a real print order. The two-phase flow saves you from upscaling something you wouldn’t want to ship.
The two modes
Design mode (default)
- You launch the project and credits are deducted for generation only.
- The image generates at the aspect ratio you picked (2:3 or 3:2).
- The pipeline stops at Design Ready.
- You review the image. Like it? Click Make Print-Ready. Don’t like it? Delete the project (no upscale credits spent) or regenerate.
Production mode
- You launch the project and credits are deducted for both generation and upscale upfront.
- The full pipeline runs: generate → upscale → process → deliver.
- No pause, no decision point.
Production mode is for when you’ve already settled on a style that consistently works for your shop and don’t need the gate.
What “Make Print-Ready” actually does
Triggering production from a Design Ready poster runs:
- AlexGenovese ×10 upscale on Replicate — single-shot upscale, all tiers use the same model (~$0.02/image equivalent).
- Local SmartCrop — produces a print-ready file at 300 DPI in your chosen aspect ratio.
- Delivery — ZIP to Google Drive, PDF product card, listing writing, optional Etsy draft.
You can’t undo this once started. The upscale credits are deducted and the worker chain runs to completion.
When the pipeline stops vs continues
| Status | What it means | What’s next |
|---|---|---|
generating | Image being generated | Wait |
Design Ready | Image done; awaiting your decision | You: Make Print-Ready, regenerate, or delete |
processing | Upscale + SmartCrop running | Wait |
delivering | ZIP + Drive + listing | Wait |
completed | Files ready, listing drafted | Open the Downloads tab |
Related
- Aspect ratios — wall art vs poster — posters use 2:3 / 3:2, not 3:4 / 4:3.
- How image upscaling works — what the AlexGenovese ×10 step does.
Related
- How Image Upscaling WorksLearn how Elistit's AI upscaler turns your images into 300 DPI print-ready files at any standard size.
- Aspect ratios — which one to pickWall art uses 3:4 or 4:3. Posters use 2:3 or 3:2. Clipart, stickers, and SVG are always 1:1. Here's why each product type is locked to its own set of ratios.
- Choosing a generation modelEach product type lets you pick the AI model that generates your images. Cheaper models are faster and cost less per piece; premium models give better composition and detail. Here's how to choose.