A print-ready file is a high-resolution PDF (ideally 300 DPI) with about 3 mm bleed on every edge, important text kept ~3–5 mm inside the trim, and colours set in CMYK. Sending files this way avoids white edges, cut-off text and colour surprises.
Bleed is artwork extended past the final cut line (about 3 mm each side) so that, after trimming, there is no thin white strip if the cut shifts slightly. Safe margin is keeping logos and text a few millimetres inside the trim so nothing important is cut.
If your background colour or image should reach the edge, it must extend into the bleed — it cannot stop exactly at the cut line.
Use 300 DPI images at final print size; low-resolution web images (72 DPI) look sharp on screen but blurry in print. Set artwork in CMYK, not RGB — screens are RGB, presses are CMYK, and bright RGB colours can shift when converted. Very rich blacks and neons are the usual surprises.
A press-ready PDF with fonts embedded (or outlined) and bleed included is the safest format. It prevents font substitution and layout shifts. If you only have an editable file, send it along with a PDF and tell the printer which software made it.
When in doubt, send what you have and ask the press to check it before printing — a quick preflight is far cheaper than a reprint.
Bleed is artwork extended ~3 mm beyond the cut line so trimming never leaves a white edge. Anything meant to reach the edge must extend into the bleed.
300 DPI at final print size. Web images at 72 DPI will look blurry when printed.
Screens use RGB and presses use CMYK. Bright RGB colours can shift on conversion. Designing in CMYK and checking a proof prevents surprises.
A press-ready PDF with fonts embedded or outlined and bleed included. If you only have an editable file, send it plus a PDF and we'll preflight it.
Skip the theory — tell us what you need printed and we'll advise and quote.
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