Tips on preparing artwork for print, helping us to save delays in production and reduce expensive setup costs and / or reprints.
Files & Formats
CMYK or RGB?
Use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) for print, as RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is used for screens. (CMYK or RGB)
Resolution?
Ensure your images are a high-resolution 300 DPI (dots per inch) for good print quality; as anything below 200 DPI may not be acceptable.
As a guide, most images meant for screens are 72dpi. Although they look crisp and clear on screen, that does not necessarily mean they will reproduce well in print. (Resolution / DPI)
File Format?
Fonts and Images?
Embed all fonts in your PDF or outline all of the type. Images should also be embedded or the individual files should be supplied.
Bleed and Trim
Use 3mm bleed on all artwork edges to ensure edge to edge print after trimming. This helps prevent white lines or images being cut short.
Keep essential information at least 3mm from the trim edge to prevent it from being cut off. (Bleed, Trim & Safe Area)
We hope that these tips on preparing artwork for print were useful, if there is anything that we may have missed or could make clearer, please do let us know.