9 out of 10 print problems trace back to artwork prep. Spend 10 minutes on these checks and you'll never have a print disaster.
1. Color mode: CMYK
Convert to CMYK before exporting. RGB files print darker and shift colors unpredictably. In Adobe apps: Edit → Convert to Profile → CMYK.
2. Image resolution: 300 DPI
All raster images (photos, complex graphics) should be 300 DPI at the final printed size. A 600×600 px logo at 300 DPI prints clearly at 2×2 inches. The same logo printed at 6×6 inches will be pixelated. When in doubt, use vector graphics (AI, EPS, SVG).
3. Bleed: 3 mm
Add 3 mm of background extending past the trim line on every side. This prevents white edges if the cutter shifts by a millimeter. In InDesign/Illustrator: Document Setup → Bleed → 3 mm. Then extend backgrounds and full-color images to the bleed line.
4. Fonts: outlined or embedded
Either convert all text to outlines (Type → Create Outlines in Illustrator) or embed fonts in the PDF. If we don't have your font and it's not embedded, your text might print in a substitute font.
5. Export as PDF/X-1a
PDF/X-1a is the standard for print PDFs. It enforces CMYK, embeds fonts, and flattens transparency. In Adobe: File → Export → PDF/X-1a:2001.
Quick checklist
Before sending us your file:
- CMYK color mode
- All raster images 300 DPI at final size
- 3 mm bleed on all sides
- Fonts outlined or embedded
- Saved as PDF/X-1a
- File names are clear (e.g., businesscard-front-final.pdf)
Not sure? Send us your raw working file (AI/PSD/INDD) and we'll do a free pre-flight check before printing.