Digital paper and clipart are downloadable image files you can print at home or use in design software to decorate craft projects — junk journals, scrapbooks, cards, planners, invitations, stickers, and more. Digital paper is patterned or textured background artwork sold as printable sheets, while clipart is a set of individual graphic elements (flowers, figures, frames, icons) usually saved with transparent backgrounds so they can be layered over anything. This guide explains what each one is, how they differ, and the main ways crafters and makers put them to use — both on paper and on screen.
What is digital paper?
Digital paper is a printable sheet of patterned or textured artwork delivered as a digital file (usually JPEG or PNG). Instead of buying physical scrapbook paper, you download the file and print as many copies as you need, at whatever size you need. A single digital paper pack often includes a coordinated set of patterns — florals, geometrics, textures — designed to work together in one project. Because it's a file, you never run out: reprint a favorite pattern as many times as you like.
What is clipart?
Clipart is a collection of individual graphic elements saved as separate image files. In modern craft use, clipart is most often supplied as PNG files with transparent backgrounds, which means each element can be layered over other artwork with no white box around it. Watercolor flowers, illustrated animals, borders, wreaths, and icons are all common clipart types. Because each piece stands alone, clipart is flexible: you can arrange, resize, and combine elements however a project calls for. You can see themed examples in the Cliparts collection.
Digital paper vs. clipart: what's the difference?
The simplest way to think about it: digital paper is the background, clipart is the decoration on top. Digital paper gives you full patterned sheets to build a base or print as backing; clipart gives you individual elements to place, layer, and arrange. Many projects use both — a digital paper background with clipart elements arranged over it.
How do you use digital paper and clipart?
There are two broad ways to use them: printed and digital.
Printed uses (cut and glue):
- Junk journals and scrapbooks — print digital paper as backgrounds and clipart as elements to cut out and layer. This connects directly to the world of junk journal ephemera.
- Greeting cards and tags — print, trim, and assemble.
- Gift wrap, envelopes, and packaging — print patterns to wrap or line.
- Planner and stationery decoration — print small clipart to cut and stick.
Digital uses (on screen):
- Invitations and printables — arrange clipart and paper in a design tool, then print or share.
- Digital planners and journals — drop transparent PNG clipart onto planner pages in note-taking apps.
- Stickers — combine clipart into sticker sheets for printing or cutting machines.
- Small business branding — use coordinated elements across labels, packaging, and social posts (within the product's license terms).
How do you print digital paper and clipart at home?
At a basic level: download the file, open it, and print at the size you need on the paper you prefer. Getting clean, true-to-color results depends on a few settings — paper choice, print quality, and sizing.
For a full walkthrough, see our guide on how to print printable scrapbook paper at home.
What file types and quality should you look for?
- PNG — best for clipart, because it supports transparent backgrounds.
- JPEG — common for digital paper, where a solid background is fine.
- PDF — sometimes used for print-ready sheets at a set size.
- Resolution (DPI) — 300 DPI is the standard for crisp printing; lower resolutions can look pixelated on paper.
Licensing also matters, especially if you plan to sell what you make. For a deeper look at clipart file types and usage rights, see our guide on what watercolor clipart is and how licensing works.
Tips for working with digital paper and clipart
- Keep files organized by theme or project so you can find elements fast.
- Print a test page first to check color and size before printing a full batch.
- Use heavier paper for elements you'll cut and glue; it handles better.
- Resize before printing, not after — scaling on paper isn't possible.
- Stay within the license for any commercial use.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between digital paper and clipart? Digital paper is patterned background sheets you print or use as a base; clipart is individual graphic elements, usually with transparent backgrounds, that you layer on top.
Can I print digital paper and clipart at home? Yes. They're designed to be downloaded and printed on a home printer at the size you need, as many times as you like.
What file type is best for clipart? PNG, because it supports transparent backgrounds so each element layers cleanly over other artwork.
What resolution should printable files be? 300 DPI is the standard for sharp, clean printing. Lower resolutions may look pixelated when printed.
Can I use digital paper and clipart for products I sell? It depends on the license. Always check the usage terms listed with the product before using it in items you plan to sell.
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