Picture vs. Print: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 6, 2023
A picture refers to an image or representation of something, while a print is a reproduction of an image, often made by pressing it onto a surface.
Key Differences
A picture is a visual representation or depiction of an object, scene, or concept. It could be drawn, painted, photographed, or created using any other medium. A print, on the other hand, refers to an impression or reproduction of an original image, often created by transferring ink from one surface to another.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
When we talk about a picture, we are usually referring to a singular, unique piece of art or image. It holds an original quality. A print emphasizes the replicative process, suggesting that there may be multiple copies of the same image.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
While every print is a picture in that it represents an image, not every picture is a print. For instance, a hand-painted portrait is a picture, but unless it's reproduced, it's not a print.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Digital advancements have blurred the lines a bit. A digital picture stored in a device is an image file. When this file is transferred to paper or any physical medium, it becomes a print of that picture.
Sara Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Artists often create limited edition prints of their original pictures to sell. The original might be priceless, but the prints, being reproductions, are more accessible to the public.
Sara Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Medium
Can be on any medium (canvas, paper, digital).
Typically on paper or fabric.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Creation Process
Can be drawn, painted, or photographed.
Made by transferring ink from one surface to another.
Janet White
Sep 24, 2023
Value in Art
Seen as original and unique.
Viewed as a replication, often less valuable.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
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Picture and Print Definitions
A mark or impression made in or on a surface by pressure
The print of footsteps in the sand.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
A painting, drawing, or photograph.
The picture on the wall is an original Picasso.
Sara Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Picture
An image formed in the mind.
Her story painted a vivid picture in my imagination.
Janet White
Sep 24, 2023
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A device or implement, such as a stamp, die, or seal, used to press markings onto or into a surface
Fancy letters made by hand-carved prints.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
A visual representation or image painted, drawn, photographed, or otherwise rendered on a flat surface.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
A visible image, especially one on a flat surface or screen
The picture reflected in the lake.
Focused the picture on the movie screen.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Text, lettering, or other marks produced in ink from type as by a printing press or from digital fonts by an electronic printer
Needed glasses to read the print.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
A vivid or realistic verbal description
A Shakespearean picture of guilt.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
A printed publication or edition of a text; a printing
The first print of that book has sold out.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
A person or object bearing a marked resemblance to another
She's the picture of her mother.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
A design or picture transferred from an engraved plate, wood block, lithographic stone, or other medium
Had prints of flowers hanging on the walls.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
A person, object, or scene that typifies or embodies an emotion, state of mind, or mood
Your face was the very picture of horror.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
The chief circumstances of an event or time; the situation
How does the new boyfriend figure in the picture?.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
A copy of a movie made on film or in a high resolution digital format, as for public exhibition.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
A fabric or garment with a dyed pattern that has been pressed onto it, usually by engraved rollers.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
To make a visible representation of
In this photo, the mayor is pictured with several aides.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
To press (a mark or design, for example) onto or into a surface
Tracks that were printed in the snow.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
To form a mental image of; visualize
I pictured my grandfather as a young man coming to America.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
To make an impression on or in (a surface) with a device such as a stamp, seal, or die.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
To describe vividly in words; make a verbal picture of
Pictured their heroism in glowing language.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
To press (something, such as a stamp) onto or into a surface to leave a marking.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
A representation of anything (as a person, a landscape, a building) upon canvas, paper, or other surface, by drawing, painting, printing, photography, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
To produce by means of pressed type, an electronic printer, or similar means, on a paper surface
Printed more copies of the ad.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
To offer in printed form; publish
The publisher collected the essays and printed them as a book.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
To reproduce (a digital document or image) on a paper surface
Printed the email.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
To convert (a digital document) into a file format designed for publication.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
To write (something) in characters similar to those commonly used in print.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
To impress firmly in the mind or memory
An experience that will be printed in our hearts forever.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
A paragon, a perfect example or specimen (of a category).
She's the very picture of health.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
To produce a photographic image from (a negative, for example) by passing light through film onto a photosensitive surface, especially sensitized paper.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
An attractive sight.
The garden is a real picture at this time of year.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
To produce (an electronic component) by mechanically transferring a circuit or circuit pattern onto a nonconductive surface.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
Situation.
The employment picture for the older middle class is not so good.
You can't just look at the election, you've got to look at the big picture.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
To produce something in printed form by means of a printing press or other reproduction process.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
(MLE) A sample of an illegal drug.
If you want me to buy your weed I’ll need a picture.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
To produce or receive an impression, marking, or image
The negative printed poorly.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Published or reproduced by printing, especially in contrast to electronic publication
A print newsletter.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Relating to or involved in media based on printing, especially newspapers and magazines
A print journalist.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Of, relating to, or writing for printed publications.
A print edition of a book
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
The art of painting; representation by painting.
Any well-expressed image . . . either in picture or sculpture.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
(transitive) To produce one or more copies of a text or image on a surface, especially by machine; often used with out or off: print out, print off.
Print the draft double-spaced so we can mark changes between the lines.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
A representation of anything (as a person, a landscape, a building) upon canvas, paper, or other surface, produced by means of painting, drawing, engraving, photography, etc.; a representation in colors. By extension, a figure; a model.
Pictures and shapes are but secondary objects.
The young king's picture . . . in virgin wax.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
To produce a microchip (an integrated circuit) in a process resembling the printing of an image.
The circuitry is printed onto the semiconductor surface.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
An image or resemblance; a representation, either to the eye or to the mind; that which, by its likeness, brings vividly to mind some other thing; as, a child is the picture of his father; the man is the picture of grief.
My eyes make pictures when they are shut.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
(ambitransitive) To write very clearly, especially, to write without connecting the letters as in cursive.
Print your name here and sign below.
I'm only in grade 2, so I only know how to print.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
To draw or paint a resemblance of; to delineate; to represent; to form or present an ideal likeness of; to bring before the mind.
I have not seen him so pictured.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
(ambitransitive) To publish in a book, newspaper, etc.
How could they print an unfounded rumour like that?
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
A visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface;
They showed us the pictures of their wedding
A movie is a series of images projected so rapidly that the eye integrates them
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
(transitive) To stamp or impress (something) with coloured figures or patterns.
To print calico
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
Graphic art consisting of an artistic composition made by applying paints to a surface;
A small painting by Picasso
He bought the painting as an investment
His pictures hang in the Louvre
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
(transitive) To fix or impress, as a stamp, mark, character, idea, etc., into or upon something.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
A clear and telling mental image;
He described his mental picture of his assailant
He had no clear picture of himself or his world
The events left a permanent impression in his mind
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
(transitive) To stamp something in or upon; to make an impression or mark upon by pressure, or as by pressure.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
A situation treated as an observable object;
The political picture is favorable
The religious scene in England has changed in the last century
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
Illustrations used to decorate or explain a text;
The dictionary had many pictures
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
To produce an observable value.
On March 16, 2020, the S&P printed at 2,386.13, one of the worst drops in history.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
A form of entertainment that enacts a story by a sequence of images giving the illusion of continuous movement;
They went to a movie every Saturday night
The film was shot on location
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
The visible part of a television transmission;
They could still receive the sound but the picture was gone
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
(uncountable) Books and other material created by printing presses, considered collectively or as a medium.
Three citations are required for each meaning, including one in print.
TV and the Internet haven't killed print.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
A graphic or vivid verbal description;
Too often the narrative was interrupted by long word pictures
The author gives a depressing picture of life in Poland
The pamphlet contained brief characterizations of famous Vermonters
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
(uncountable) Clear handwriting, especially, writing without connected letters as in cursive.
Write in print using block letters.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
A typical example of some state or quality;
The very picture of a modern general
She was the picture of despair
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
(uncountable) The letters forming the text of a document.
The print is too small for me to read.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
Imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind;
I can't see him on horseback!
I can see what will happen
I can see a risk in this strategy
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
Show in, or as in, a picture;
This scene depicts country life
The face of the child is rendered with much tenderness in this painting
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
A visible impression on a surface.
Using a crayon, the girl made a print of the leaf under the page.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Picture
A clear impression or depiction.
Her smile was a picture of happiness.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
(visual art) A picture that was created in multiple copies by printing.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
(photography) A photograph that has been printed onto paper from the negative.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
To fix or impress, as a stamp, mark, character, idea, etc., into or upon something.
A look will print a thought that never may remove.
Upon his breastplate he beholds a dint,Which in that field young Edward's sword did print.
Perhaps some footsteps printed in the clay.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
To stamp something in or upon; to make an impression or mark upon by pressure, or as by pressure.
Forth on his fiery steed betimes he rode,That scarcely prints the turf on which he trod.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
To strike off an impression or impressions of, from type, or from stereotype, electrotype, or engraved plates, or the like; in a wider sense, to do the typesetting, presswork, etc., of (a book or other publication); as, to print books, newspapers, pictures; to print an edition of a book.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
To stamp or impress with colored figures or patterns; as, to print calico.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
To take (a copy, a positive picture, etc.), from a negative, a transparent drawing, or the like, by the action of light upon a sensitized surface.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
To use or practice the art of typography; to take impressions of letters, figures, or electrotypes, engraved plates, or the like.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
To publish a book or an article.
From the moment he prints, he must except to hear no more truth.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
A mark made by impression; a line, character, figure, or indentation, made by the pressure of one thing on another; as, the print of teeth or nails in flesh; the print of the foot in sand or snow.
Where print of human feet was never seen.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
A stamp or die for molding or impressing an ornamental design upon an object; as, a butter print.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
That which receives an impression, as from a stamp or mold; as, a print of butter.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Printed letters; the impression taken from type, as to excellence, form, size, etc.; as, small print; large print; this line is in print.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
A visible indication made on a surface;
Some previous reader had covered the pages with dozens of marks
Paw prints were everywhere
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
A fabric with a dyed pattern pressed onto it (usually by engraved rollers)
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Put into print;
The newspaper published the news of the royal couple's divorce
These news should not be printed
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
A mark made by pressing something onto a surface.
The detective found a clear fingerprint in the print.
Harlon Moss
Sep 24, 2023
A reproduction of a photograph or artwork.
The gallery sells prints of famous artworks.
Sara Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Written characters produced by a printer.
The print on this page is too small to read.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
To reproduce text or images using a printer.
Can you print the document for me?
Harlon Moss
Sep 24, 2023
FAQs
What is a print?
A print is a reproduction of an original image, often created by pressing or transferring ink from one surface to another.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Are all pictures originals?
Not necessarily. While pictures can be original artworks, they can also be reproductions or digital images.
Harlon Moss
Sep 24, 2023
How can I differentiate an original picture from a print?
Originals often have unique textures or brush strokes, while prints tend to have a more uniform appearance.
Sara Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
How are prints typically made in art?
Prints are often made using techniques like lithography, screen printing, or etching.
Harlon Moss
Sep 24, 2023
How do I convert a digital picture to a print?
Use a printer to transfer the digital picture onto a physical medium, like paper.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 24, 2023
What's a "fine art print"?
It's a high-quality reproduction of an artwork, often made with archival inks and materials.
Janet White
Sep 24, 2023
What is a picture?
A picture is a visual representation or depiction, whether drawn, painted, photographed, or otherwise created.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Can a photograph be considered both a picture and a print?
Yes, a photograph is a picture, and if reproduced or developed from a negative, it's also a print.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Is a movie referred to as a picture?
Yes, movies are sometimes colloquially called "pictures," as in "motion picture."
Harlon Moss
Sep 24, 2023
Can I take a picture of a print?
Yes, you can photograph a print, and that photograph becomes a picture of the original print.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Do prints hold value in the art world?
Yes, especially limited edition prints, signed and numbered by the artist.
Janet White
Sep 24, 2023
Can a digital image be called a picture?
Yes, a digital image is a type of picture stored electronically.
Sara Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Do print shops only reproduce images?
No, print shops can produce original designs, but they often reproduce or print multiple copies of an image.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
How is a print's quality determined?
Quality depends on the resolution, printing method, ink quality, and paper or material used.
Harlon Moss
Sep 24, 2023
Can pictures be abstract?
Yes, pictures can be realistic or abstract, depending on the creator's intent.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 24, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
