What is a Digital C-Type Print?

A digital C Type or Chromagenic print is any photographic print that has been exposed using digital technology, rather than traditional analogue (otherwise known as ‘darkroom’) techniques. In an analogue setting, an enlarger, an optical apparatus similar to a slide projector, projects the image of a negative onto a sheet of photographic paper whilst controlling focus, intensity and duration of light.

With a digital C Type (Chromagenic print) this part of the process is controlled from a computer and the paper is exposed using lasers or LEDs rather than a bulb. The second part of the traditional process is much the same however: the paper is processed in a photographic developer, followed by bleach fix before being washed to remove the processing chemicals.

So a digital C Type (Chromagenic)  is a traditional photographic print, made from a digital file rather than a negative. Many customers think that a ‘digital print’ has to be a Giclée print but this is not so. A Giclée print is quite different, using no chemistry or light sensitivity.

At Vogue and National Portrait Gallery we really can say, without any question how much we appreciated all the work Metro put in.

— Robin Muir, Vogue 100

Our range of Photographic Papers

>Fuji Crystal Archive Paper

Fuji Crystal Archive Paper

Available in Classic Matt or Gloss up to 50 inches. This paper uses optimised Silver Halide Crystals for laser exposure, producing excellent prints from laser printers; and it's considered to be the industry standard for photographic art printing. Find out more
>Kodak Professional Ultra Endura Paper

Kodak Professional Ultra Endura Paper

Available in Classic Matt or Gloss. An all-round winner for colour printing as it’s possible to print directly onto it from both film and digital media. This is a resin-coated paper giving rich colours with great flesh tones, as well as intense blacks. Find out more
>Fujicolour Crystal Archive Velvet Paper

Fujicolour Crystal Archive Velvet Paper

This dead matt paper produces a creamy texture and muted tones. Its zero-reflective top layer creates a remarkably soft and flat matt effect, ideal for low-contrast images. (Note: this is a colour paper so all B&W images will contain a partial colour cast due to the emulsion. For no colour cast, we recommend selecting a Silver Gelatin paper) Find out more
>Kodak and Fuji Metallic Paper

Kodak and Fuji Metallic Paper

With a glossy finish and metallic appearance, it works well with both colour and B&W images, providing a different visual aspect to your work. (Note: this is a colour paper, and all B&W images will contain a partial colour cast due to the emulsion. To avoid a colour cast, we suggest using a Silver Gelatin paper) Find out more
>Fujiflex Crystal Archive Paper or 'Supergloss'

Fujiflex Crystal Archive Paper or 'Supergloss'

Fujiflex is a reflective silver halide colour printing paper on a super high gloss PET base for professional use at the highest level, designed exclusively for digital output on large-format laser printers, such as our Lightjet or optimum high-quality images. Find out more