File Prep Guide

1. Color mode: CMYK

Convert your file 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 at final size

All raster images (photos, complex graphics) should be 300 DPI at the actual printed size. A logo that's 600×600 px at 300 DPI prints clearly at 2×2 inches. The same logo at 6×6 inches will be pixelated.

3. Bleed: 3 mm on all sides

Add 3 mm of background past the trim line on every side. This prevents white edges if the cutter shifts a millimeter. In InDesign/Illustrator: Document Setup → Bleed → 3 mm.

4. Fonts: outlined or embedded

Either convert all text to outlines (Type → Create Outlines in Illustrator) or embed fonts in the PDF. If a font isn't embedded and we don't have it, 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.

Pre-flight checklist

• 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.