International artwork guide
Artwork Sizes for Printing in the UK
UK commercial print normally uses ISO 216 A sizes measured in millimetres. US Letter and other international formats can often be supported, but they are not the same proportions as A4 or other A sizes. Prepare the PDF at the exact required finished size, add the specified bleed and confirm any custom dimensions before ordering.
Use millimetres
State the exact finished width and height, not only a regional paper name.
Do not scale blindly
A4 and US Letter have different proportions and may crop or leave margins.
Add the right bleed
Three millimetres is common, but the product template takes priority.
Supply a print-ready PDF
Use CMYK, embedded fonts and suitable image resolution.
ISO A series
Common UK finished paper sizes
The dimensions below are the finished trim size. Bleed is added outside these measurements.
| Size | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|
| A0 | 841mm | 1189mm |
| A1 | 594mm | 841mm |
| A2 | 420mm | 594mm |
| A3 | 297mm | 420mm |
| A4 | 210mm | 297mm |
| A5 | 148mm | 210mm |
| A6 | 105mm | 148mm |
North American sizes
US sizes converted to millimetres
Use these dimensions only when the order is intended to retain the US format. Do not assume that US Letter should be changed to A4.
| Size | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|
| US Letter | 215.9mm | 279.4mm |
| US Legal | 215.9mm | 355.6mm |
| US Tabloid | 279.4mm | 431.8mm |
File setup
Prepare the file at final size
- Finished dimensions
- Set the document to the exact finished width and height in millimetres.
- Bleed
- Add 3mm on every edge unless the product template gives a different requirement.
- Safe area
- Keep important text and logos away from the trim. Follow the product template for the minimum distance.
- PDF output
- Supply a print-ready PDF in CMYK with fonts embedded and images at 300ppi at final size where practical.
Custom formats
Check non-standard dimensions before ordering
A custom size may fit a standard production sheet even when it does not appear in the online selector. Send the exact finished width, height, quantity and intended product before finalising the artwork.
Questions from overseas buyers
Frequently asked questions
Is A4 the same as US Letter?
No. A4 is 210 x 297mm, while US Letter is 215.9 x 279.4mm. The proportions differ.
Can you print US Letter in the UK?
Often, yes. Supply the exact finished dimensions and confirm the size before ordering so we can choose a suitable production route.
Should I resize my Letter artwork to A4?
Only if you want an A4 finished product and the design is properly reformatted. Simple scaling may crop content or leave unwanted margins.
How much bleed should I add?
Three millimetres on every edge is common for commercial print, but always use the product template when it states a different amount.
Can you support a custom size?
Often, yes. Send the exact finished size in millimetres, quantity and product type before completing the artwork.