Print files
How to prepare a print file
A print file is a file at the product size, with bleed, with graphics in sufficient resolution, in CMYK colours and with embedded fonts. Most often it is a PDF. Below is the list of things a print shop checks in every file.
- Size
- Net (after trimming) + bleed on each side
- Resolution
- 300 DPI for close viewing, 100–150 DPI on banners
- Colours
- CMYK, text black as 100% K
- Format
- PDF, ideally PDF/X, fonts embedded or as curves
Checklist
- Net size. An A5 flyer is 148 × 210 mm. Set the document to exactly that size.
- Bleed. Add 2–3 mm on each side (A5 with 3 mm bleed: 154 × 216 mm). Extend backgrounds and photos that touch the edge to the end of the bleed.
- Safety margin. Keep texts and logos at least 3–5 mm from the cut line.
- Resolution. Photos at 300 DPI at print size. A 1200 × 800 px photo has 300 DPI only at about 10 × 7 cm.
- Colours. CMYK instead of RGB. Black text as 100% K, with no other inks.
- Fonts. Embedded in the PDF or converted to curves.
- Format. PDF, ideally PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4. One PDF page = one product side.
A file from the designer in the shop
When the customer designs in the designer on the shop website, most points on the list are met automatically. The designer opens at the product size, adds bleed, shows the cut line and safe margin, warns about low-resolution photos and saves a PDF with embedded fonts or curves. See web to print software.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best file format for print?
PDF, ideally saved as PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4. It holds the size, bleed, fonts and graphics in one file and looks the same on every computer.
Can I send a JPG for print?
You can, if it has the product size with bleed and 300 DPI. JPG does not keep text as vectors, though, so small text may be less sharp than in a PDF.
What is the net size?
The product size after trimming, e.g. 90 × 50 mm for a business card. The print file is larger by the bleed on each side.
See also
Try the designer on your own products
30 days free, no card and no automatic payments. Standard costs 58 EUR net per month, Premium 80 EUR. One shop and one order system are included.