Prepare Your Artwork for Professional Printing
Follow these recommended artwork settings to reduce production delays and help achieve a clean, accurate printed result.
Print-Ready Artwork Checklist
Check these important items before sending your files for printing.
Correct Finished Size
Set the document to the exact finished size required for your printed product.
Add 3mm Bleed
Extend background colours and images at least 3mm beyond every trimmed edge.
Keep a Safe Margin
Keep important wording, logos and contact details at least 5mm inside the finished edge.
Use High-Resolution Images
Images should preferably be at least 300 dpi at their final printed size.
Use CMYK Colour
Prepare artwork using CMYK colour settings rather than relying only on screen-based RGB colours.
Check Every Detail
Confirm spelling, phone numbers, addresses, QR codes, prices and dates before approving your file.
Why Bleed Is Important
Printing is trimmed after production. A small amount of movement can occur during cutting, so backgrounds must extend outside the final finished size.
- Bleed area: Extend backgrounds and images 3mm outside every edge.
- Trim line: This is the intended finished edge after cutting.
- Safe area: Keep important content at least 5mm inside the trim line.
IMPORTANT TEXT
CONTACT DETAILS
Artwork File Formats
A properly exported print-ready PDF is generally the preferred format for production.
Print-Ready PDF
Recommended for maintaining document size, layout, fonts, vectors and image quality.
High-Resolution JPG
May be accepted for simple flat artwork when supplied at the correct dimensions and sufficient resolution.
Editable Source Files
Adobe Illustrator or other editable files may require linked images and fonts to be supplied separately.
Layered Image Files
Ensure Photoshop files use the correct size, colour settings and image resolution before submission.
Important Artwork Settings
Colour Mode
CMYK RecommendedPrinted colours may differ from the appearance shown on phones, monitors and other RGB displays.
Image Resolution
300 dpi or HigherLow-resolution images may appear soft, pixelated or unclear when printed.
Fonts
Embed or OutlineEmbed fonts in the PDF or convert text to outlines when supplying editable artwork.
Small Black Text
Use Clear Solid BlackSmall black wording should remain sharp and should not rely on multiple colour plates unnecessarily.
Lines and Borders
Avoid Very Thin LinesVery fine lines may become unclear or inconsistent after printing and trimming.
Transparency and Effects
Export CarefullyCheck shadows, gradients, overprints and transparency effects in the final exported PDF.
Test Before Printing
QR codes and barcodes should remain clear, high contrast and large enough for reliable scanning after printing.
- Use the original QR code file whenever possible.
- Avoid stretching or distorting the QR code.
- Leave sufficient clear space around the code.
- Test the final exported artwork before submission.
- Test again using the printed sample whenever possible.
Do not place important graphics too close to the scanning area.
Final Artwork Approval
Basic artwork checking does not replace the customer’s final approval. Please carefully confirm all wording, spelling, prices, dates, phone numbers, licence numbers, QR codes and other content before printing begins.
Need Help Checking Your Artwork?
Send us your file together with the required size, paper, quantity and delivery date.