Printing Artwork Preparation Guide
Prepare artwork for professional printing with guidance on bleed, resolution, color, safe margins, fonts, PDF files, proofs and common print errors.
Understand Trim, Bleed and Safe Areas
Trim size is the intended finished size of a printed piece. Bleed extends background artwork beyond the trim line to reduce the chance of white edges after cutting. The safe area keeps important text and logos away from the cutting edge. Always use the exact template provided for the product you order.
Use Appropriate Image Resolution
Raster photographs and illustrations should contain enough pixels for their final printed dimensions. Many commercial printers recommend 300 pixels per inch at finished size, although requirements vary by product and printing process. Enlarging a small image does not restore missing detail.
Understand RGB and CMYK Color
RGB describes colors used by digital displays, while CMYK is commonly used in commercial printing. Some vivid screen colors cannot be reproduced exactly with standard printing inks. Follow your printer's color profile instructions and review proofs carefully.
Prepare Fonts and Typography
Use readable type sizes and sufficient contrast. When exporting artwork, embed fonts or convert text to outlines if your printer requires it. Check special characters, punctuation and spacing after export. Preserve an editable original file for future revisions.
Export a Print-Ready PDF
A print-ready PDF can preserve page dimensions, images and typography. Use the printer's recommended PDF export preset and include bleed when required. Check the document's final dimensions, page count, orientation and image quality before uploading.
Prepare Double-Sided Printing
For business cards, postcards and other two-sided products, check the front and back orientation. Confirm whether the artwork should be supplied as separate pages or files. Verify that text and graphics are positioned correctly on both sides.
Check QR Codes, Logos and Fine Details
Use high-quality logo artwork, preferably vector art when accepted by the printer. Test QR codes at their intended physical size. Avoid very thin lines, low-contrast text and tiny details that may not reproduce clearly on the selected paper.
Complete a Final Preflight Checklist
Before approving production, review spelling, phone numbers, addresses, website URLs, image quality, bleed, margins, colors and orientation. Inspect every page of the final exported file. Confirm current artwork requirements and request clarification before ordering if anything is unclear.
Artwork Preparation FAQs
What does bleed mean in printing?
Bleed is artwork extending beyond the finished trim edge to help prevent unwanted white borders.
Is 300 DPI always required?
Many printers recommend 300 pixels per inch for raster artwork at final size, but specifications vary by product and printing process.
Should I send RGB or CMYK artwork?
Follow the printer's current file requirements. Commercial printing often uses CMYK, and screen colors may differ from printed colors.
What is the safest file format for printing?
A properly exported print-ready PDF is widely accepted, but always confirm the printer's supported formats and export specifications.
Why do printed colors differ from my screen?
Displays emit light while printed materials reflect light. Screen calibration, paper, ink and printing processes affect the appearance.
What should I inspect before approving a proof?
Review spelling, dimensions, images, bleed, safe margins, orientation, QR codes and all important contact information.
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