Get It Right
File Preparation Guide
Step-by-step instructions for preparing print-ready files in your favorite design software. Follow these guides to ensure perfect results every time.
Prepare Files by Software
Choose your design software below and follow the step-by-step instructions.
Adobe Illustrator
- 1 Create new document with correct size + 3mm bleed on all sides
- 2 Set color mode to CMYK (File → Document Color Mode → CMYK)
- 3 Use 300 DPI for embedded images
- 4 Convert all text to outlines (Type → Create Outlines) or embed fonts
- 5 Check that all colors are CMYK (not RGB or spot colors unless specified)
- 6 Save as PDF: File → Save As → Adobe PDF (Print preset)
- 7 In PDF options: select "Press Quality" and check "Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities"
Adobe Photoshop
- 1 Set up document: Image → Mode → CMYK Color
- 2 Resolution must be 300 DPI minimum (Image → Image Size)
- 3 Add canvas size for bleed: Image → Canvas Size (add 6mm total to width and height)
- 4 Flatten all layers if not needed (Layer → Flatten Image)
- 5 Save as high-quality PDF or TIFF
- 6 For PDF: File → Save As → Photoshop PDF (select "High Quality Print")
- 7 Or save as TIFF with LZW compression (File → Save As → TIFF)
Adobe InDesign
- 1 Create document with bleed settings: File → New → Document
- 2 Set bleed to 3mm on all sides in "Bleed and Slug" section
- 3 Ensure all images are 300 DPI and CMYK
- 4 Check all fonts are embedded (Type → Find Font)
- 5 Preflight your document (Window → Output → Preflight)
- 6 Export as PDF: File → Export → Adobe PDF (Print)
- 7 Choose "PDF/X-4:2008" preset and enable "Use Document Bleed Settings"
- 8 Alternatively, package project: File → Package (includes all fonts and images)
Canva
- 1 Set up custom dimensions with bleed (+6mm to width and height)
- 2 Design with bleed area in mind - extend backgrounds to edges
- 3 Download as PDF Print (highest quality)
- 4 Go to Share → Download → PDF Print → Download
- 5 NOTE: Canva uses RGB color mode. Colors may shift when we convert to CMYK.
- 6 For critical color matching, use professional software (AI, PS, ID)
Microsoft Word / PowerPoint
- 1 Set up correct page size (Layout → Size → Custom)
- 2 Add 3mm margin on all sides for safe zone
- 3 Use high-resolution images only
- 4 Export as PDF: File → Save As → PDF
- 5 In PDF options, select "Best for printing"
- 6 NOTE: Office apps are not ideal for professional print design
- 7 For best results, use Adobe Creative Suite or ask us for help
CorelDRAW
- 1 Create new document with bleed: Layout → Page Setup → Bleed (3mm)
- 2 Convert colors to CMYK: Edit → Find and Replace → Replace Color
- 3 Ensure resolution is 300 DPI for bitmaps
- 4 Convert text to curves: Object → Convert to Curves
- 5 Export as PDF: File → Publish to PDF
- 6 Select "Prepress" preset or "PDF/X-4"
- 7 Enable "Include bleed" in export settings
Pre-Flight Checklist
Before submitting your files, check these essential items. This prevents delays and ensures your job prints correctly.
Document Setup
- Correct finished size (e.g., 85 × 55 mm for business cards)
- Bleed added: 3mm on all sides
- Safe zone: 3mm from trim edge for important content
- Document orientation correct (portrait/landscape)
Colors
- Color mode set to CMYK (not RGB)
- No spot colors unless specifically requested
- Black text is set to 100% K (not C:0 M:0 Y:0 K:100)
- Rich black for large areas: C:60 M:40 Y:40 K:100
Images & Graphics
- All images minimum 300 DPI at actual print size
- Images in CMYK color mode
- No watermarked or low-resolution stock photos
- All linked images embedded or included in package
Text & Fonts
- All fonts outlined/converted to paths OR embedded
- Minimum font size: 6pt for readability
- No font substitution warnings
- Text not too close to trim edge (min 3mm safe zone)
File Export
- Saved as PDF (preferred) or AI/EPS with outlines
- PDF settings: Press Quality or PDF/X-4
- File size reasonable (under 100 MB if possible)
- Named clearly: project-name-size-version.pdf
Free File Check Service
Not sure if your file is ready? Send it to us! We'll check for common issues and let you know if corrections are needed—completely free.
Common Issues & Solutions
Avoid these frequent mistakes that can delay your print job or affect quality.
Low Resolution Images
Problem: Images appear pixelated or blurry when printed.
Solution: Use 300 DPI images at actual print size. Upscaling low-res images does not improve quality.
RGB Colors Instead of CMYK
Problem: Colors look different when printed compared to screen.
Solution: Always design in CMYK mode. RGB colors will be converted and may shift, especially bright blues and greens.
Missing Bleed
Problem: White edges appear after trimming if design has background colors.
Solution: Extend background colors and images 3mm beyond the trim line on all sides.
Text Too Close to Edge
Problem: Text or important elements get cut off during trimming.
Solution: Keep all critical content at least 3mm (preferably 5mm) from the trim edge.
Missing Fonts
Problem: Text changes or disappears because fonts are not embedded.
Solution: Convert text to outlines/paths or embed all fonts when saving PDF.
Incorrect File Format
Problem: Cannot open or print from certain file types.
Solution: Save as PDF (preferred), AI, EPS, or high-res TIFF. Avoid JPEG, PNG, Word docs for final print.
Download Print Templates
Save time with our pre-made templates. Correct sizes, bleed, and margins already set up for you.
85 × 55 mm with bleed
AI, PSD, INDD
210 × 297 mm with bleed
AI, PSD, INDD
148 × 210 mm with bleed
AI, PSD, INDD
99 × 210 mm with bleed
AI, PSD, INDD
297 × 420 mm with bleed
AI, PSD, INDD
All templates pack
ZIP Bundle
Need a custom template size? Contact us and we'll create one for you.
Still have questions?
Our team is here to help with file preparation, color matching, and technical questions.