File Preparation Guide

Artwork Preparation Guidelines

Follow these guidelines to ensure your files are print-ready and deliver the best possible results on your finished product.

Download our setup guides for optimal print results

Business Card Guide Flyer Guide Banner Guide

Getting Started

Three Simple Steps to Print-Ready Files

Step 1

Set Up Your File

Ensure the file matches the product's required dimensions. Create your artwork in CMYK at 300 DPI with 1/8" bleeds on all sides.

Step 2

Finalize Artwork

Make sure all images are embedded and all text/fonts are outlined. Delete any hidden layers not intended for print.

Step 3

Export as PDF

Export all files into a single PDF with bleeds. Each job — including multi-page projects — must be one PDF with all pages the same size.

Getting Started

Complete File Preparation Checklist

Download Our Setup Guides

Download the product-specific template guides from the File Prep tab to ensure your artwork meets the correct dimensions and layout requirements for an optimal print result.

Delete Hidden Layers

Remove any hidden layers not intended for print — such as setup guide layers, template outlines, or unused artwork layers. Hidden layers can accidentally appear on the final printed piece.

Submit as a Single PDF

Each job, including multi-page projects, must be submitted as one single PDF file. Ensure all pages within the PDF are the same size.

Correct File Orientation

Files must be submitted with proper orientation to ensure correct front-to-back alignment. Review the File Orientation Guides in the File Prep tab for your specific product.

Avoid Borders Near the Trim

Try to avoid using borders in your design. If a border is too close to the trim edge, even minor cutting variations can make it appear off-center on the finished piece.

Include Bleeds & Safety Margins

Your file must include 1/8" bleed on all sides. Keep all important artwork and text within the safety margin — the more margin you allow, the better, to avoid elements being trimmed or sitting awkwardly close to the edge.

High-Resolution CMYK at 300 DPI

Ensure your PDF is high resolution and that all images are set to CMYK color mode at 300 DPI. Low-resolution files will result in blurry or pixelated prints.

Proper Black Values

Black text and type should use C0 M0 Y0 K100. For larger areas of solid black coverage, use a rich black formula of C30 M20 Y20 K100 for a deeper, richer appearance.

Embed or Outline All Fonts

All fonts used in the design must be either embedded in the PDF or converted to outlines. This prevents font substitution issues during the printing process.

Supply CMYK-Only Files

For the best colour results, supply a CMYK-only file unless your product type specifically requires RGB color mode or PMS (Pantone) colours.

Pro Tip

Always preview your PDF at 100% zoom before submitting. This is the most reliable way to catch low-resolution images, missing fonts, or layout issues before they go to print.

Thin White Text on Rich Black Backgrounds

Minor shifts during printing are possible. Thin or small white text knocked out of a rich black background is prone to colour bleeding, fill-in, and poor readability due to slight misregistration. Follow these tips to avoid common issues.

Use Recommended Rich Black

Use C30 M20 Y20 K100 to minimize oversaturation and registration issues. Avoid heavier builds like C60 M60 Y60 K100 which increase colour shift risk.

Thicken White Knockout Text

Increase the weight of white knockout text to prevent fill-in and improve readability.

Min. line weight: 0.75pt · Min. font size: 8pt

Apply Swelling

Slightly enlarge knockout areas to compensate for minor ink spread on press. This helps maintain crispness and legibility after printing.

Need Help With Your Files?

Our team can review your artwork or create print-ready designs for you. Reach out any time — we're here to help.