Artwork Specifications
Artwork specifications
Set your file up once and it prints right the first time. Every file gets a free technical check (size, bleed and resolution) before it goes to press, and we'll contact you if something looks off.
- 1Send a print-ready PDF in CMYK.
- 2Images at 300 dpi, fonts outlined.
- 3Add 0.125" bleed where colour reaches the edge.
- 4Proofread it – files print exactly as you send them.
The basics
Four rules cover most files. They're the same four in our PDF guide.
Print-ready PDF only
To avoid font, image and layout surprises we print from PDF files only. Send one PDF per item.
CMYK colour mode
All images and artwork should be CMYK. RGB files are converted at print time and bright colours can shift.
300 dpi images
Photos and other non-vector artwork should be 300 dpi at the final printed size.
Fonts outlined
Convert all text to outlines (curves) so nothing reflows or substitutes.
Only include what should print: no extra pages, notes, colour bars or unused artboards in the file or folder you send.
Bleed, trim and safe zone
If colour or images run to the edge, extend them past the cut line so there are no white slivers after trimming.
- Bleed – 0.125" (1/8") on every side. Background colour and images extend into this area. A 3.5" x 2" business card is set up at 3.75" x 2.25".
- Trim line – the finished size. Where the cutter goes. Cuts can shift slightly, which is why bleed and safe zone exist.
- Safe zone – 0.125" inside the trim. Keep text, logos and anything important inside it. Large-format signs and banners: keep 1" clear of the edges and grommets.
Colour
What you see on screen and what comes off the press are close, but not identical. These keep it predictable.
Rich black for large areas
For big black backgrounds use C60 M40 Y40 K100. Keep small text 100% K only so it stays sharp.
Total ink under 300%
Very heavy ink coverage can smudge or set off on the next sheet.
Pantone matching
We print in four-colour process. Spot colours are converted to their closest CMYK match; tell us if a brand colour must be matched to a printed proof.
Screens look brighter
Monitors glow; paper doesn't. Expect printed colour to look slightly deeper than on screen. Ask for a printed proof for colour-critical work.
Outlining fonts
Outlining fonts is required. It turns text into shapes so it prints exactly as you designed it, even if we don't have your font.
Adobe Illustrator
- Unlock all layers and select everything (Ctrl/Cmd + A).
- Choose Type > Create Outlines (Shift + Ctrl/Cmd + O).
- Save a copy as PDF (keep your editable original).
Adobe InDesign
- Export with File > Export > Adobe PDF (Print) using the "PDF/X-1a" or "Press Quality" preset.
- Under Marks and Bleeds, tick "Use Document Bleed Settings".
- Fonts are embedded automatically; if a font won't embed, select the text frame and choose Type > Create Outlines.
Canva
- Set up the design with bleed: File > Settings > Show print bleed.
- Download as PDF Print, tick "Crop marks and bleed" and choose the CMYK colour profile.
Word, Publisher or other programs
- Save or print to PDF at "high quality / press quality".
- Send us the PDF. If anything moves, we'll let you know before printing – or ask our designers to rebuild it.
Notes by product
Most products follow the basics above. These have a few extra rules.
| Product | Set up your file |
|---|---|
| Business cards, flyers, postcards | Finished size + 0.125" bleed each side. One page per side, front first. |
| Brochures (folded) | Set up flat, panels in folded order. On a tri-fold the inside panel is about 1/16" narrower so it tucks in. |
| Booklets | Page count in multiples of 4 (the cover counts). Supply single pages in reading order, not spreads. |
| Banners, signs, posters | Build at full size or to scale; 100–150 dpi at full size is enough for large format. Keep text 1" from edges and grommets. |
| Stickers & labels (custom shape) | Add the cut line as a separate spot-colour path named "CutContour". Keep artwork 0.0625" inside the cut. |
| Spot UV, foil, white ink | Supply a separate page or layer in 100% K showing only the area to be coated, foiled or printed white. |
| Copies & documents | Any standard PDF. Choose "no bleed" for documents with white margins. |
Exporting your PDF
Use a print preset
"PDF/X-1a" or "High Quality Print". Avoid "Smallest File Size" – it lowers image quality.
Include bleed
Turn on bleed in the export settings. Crop marks are optional; if you add them, offset them outside the bleed.
One file per item
Name it clearly, e.g. business-card-jane-front-back.pdf. Two-sided items: front on page 1, back on page 2.
Before you send
Tick them off as you go. We check the technical side, but files print exactly as submitted – we don't proofread spelling or content. Printed proofs are available on request.
- File is a PDF
- Colour mode is CMYK
- Images are 300 dpi at print size
- All fonts outlined
- Bleed added where colour reaches the edge
- Text and logos inside the safe zone
- Only the pages to be printed are in the file
- Spelling, phone numbers and emails checked
Not sure your file is ready?
Send it anyway – we check every file for size, bleed and resolution and will tell you if something looks off. Need a design? Our designers can build it for you.
