Original fine art prints are multiple impressions of the same image, created with the direct involvement of the artist or by a professional artisan under the supervision of the artist. They can be created digitally within a computer or made upon a plate, stone, wood block, or any other material. Etching, aquatint, monoprint, lithography, and collograph are some of the printing techniques used in making original prints.

Original fine art prints are personally approved and signed by the artist. Along with the artist's signature, they should hold the edition number and the total number of art prints produced. Some original fine art prints contain information about the techniques and materials used in printing.

The Print Council of America has issued certain guidelines necessary for a print to qualify as an original print. The guidelines demand that the master image on the stone or any other material should be created by the artist. They also require that the art print, if not printed by the artist, should be hand-printed by a professional artisan under the direct supervision of the artist. Moreover, they stress the importance of signature by the artist in the print. The guidelines also demand that once the edition is completed, the master image should be destroyed so as to prevent using it again.