A print-ready file saves time, avoids reprints and gets you exactly what you designed. Here is the checklist our pre-press team uses.
1. Add bleed
Extend background colours and images 3mm beyond the trim edge on every side. Without bleed, a slight trimming shift leaves thin white edges.
2. Keep text inside the safe area
Keep important text and logos at least 3–5mm inside the trim line.
3. Use CMYK, not RGB
Screens display RGB; presses print CMYK. Convert images to CMYK (or let us do it) to avoid surprises — bright RGB blues and greens often print duller. If you need an exact brand colour, specify its Pantone reference.
4. 300dpi images
Images should be 300dpi at the size they will print. For large-format banners viewed from a distance, 100–150dpi at full size is usually enough.
5. Outline or embed fonts
Convert text to outlines or embed fonts when exporting, so your typography prints exactly as designed.
6. Export as PDF/X
Export using a PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 preset with crop marks and bleed. Not sure? Upload what you have — we check every file before printing and send a digital proof.
