How to Get Your Artwork Print-Ready: A Practical Guide
Preparing your artwork for print is crucial to achieving a high-quality final product. By following these steps, you can avoid costly errors and ensure your designs look as polished in print as they do on screen.
1. Set Up Your Document Correctly
- Size Matters: Ensure your document matches the desired print size. If you’re unsure, consult your designer or check our size guide.
- Add Bleed (3mm Minimum): Extend your design 3mm beyond the trim lines to avoid unwanted white edges when cutting. This is especially important for full-bleed designs like brochures and posters.
2. Check Your Colour Mode
- Switch to CMYK: Print processes use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black), not RGB. Converting to CMYK ensures colours translate correctly from screen to print.
- Proof Carefully: Colours on your screen may differ slightly from printed output. Consider requesting a proof if exact colours are critical.
3. Convert Text to Outlines
- Why It’s Important: Converting text to outlines ensures fonts won’t change or misalign during the printing process.
- How to Do It: In Adobe Illustrator or InDesign, use the “Create Outlines” option to make your text scalable and uneditable.
4. Include Print Marks and Bleed
- Trim Marks: These indicate where the printer will cut your document. Always include them in your file.
- Bleed: This extra space around your design prevents visual elements from being accidentally trimmed too close to the edge.
5. Ensure High Resolution
- Minimum Resolution: 300dpi (dots per inch) is the industry standard for print. For large-scale designs, aim for 600dpi to preserve detail when scaling down.
- How to Check: In Photoshop, go to Image > Image Size and confirm the resolution is 300dpi or higher.
6. Save as a PDF
- Why PDF?: PDFs retain all design elements, ensuring your file is print-ready.
- Export Settings: Use “High Quality Print” or “Press Quality” settings in your design software. If in doubt, check with your printer for specific requirements.
Bonus Tips
- Embed Images: Ensure all linked images are embedded within the file to avoid missing assets during print.
- File Naming: Use clear, descriptive file names to help your printer identify your job easily.
Why Print-Ready Artwork Matters
A properly prepared file ensures your design looks professional and avoids delays or additional costs. Attention to detail at this stage will save you time and hassle later.
Need Help?
If any of this feels overwhelming, don’t worry! We’re here to assist. Whether you need advice on file setup or a quick check of your artwork, just get in touch.
Get your artwork print-ready today and enjoy the satisfaction of seeing your vision brought to life in stunning detail!
Call: 01483 256785 or Email: [email protected]
