Artwork Guidelines for Printing
Providing artwork in the correct format helps your print project run smoothly and reduces the chance of delays or unexpected issues.
You don’t need to be a graphic designer, but understanding a few basic guidelines can help ensure your finished print looks exactly as you expect.
Many print delays are caused by small artwork issues that are easy to avoid, such as missing bleed, missing crop marks or low-resolution images.
Why artwork matters
Even the best printing equipment can’t fix problems in the original artwork.
Supplying print-ready artwork helps ensure colours, images and text are reproduced correctly and avoids delays while files are corrected.
What file format should I use?
A print-ready PDF is usually the preferred format for commercial printing because it preserves your layout, fonts and images.
Other file types may also be suitable depending on your project, but it’s always worth checking before sending artwork.
If you’re unsure, check the artwork requirements for your project before sending your files.
What about images?
Images should be high enough resolution to print clearly.
Low-resolution images that look fine on screen can sometimes appear blurred or pixelated when printed.
Where possible, use the original high-quality image rather than one copied from a website or social media.
Should I include fonts?
If you’re supplying design files rather than a print-ready PDF, fonts should either be embedded or converted to outlines.
This helps avoid unexpected font substitutions when your artwork is prepared for printing.
If you’re providing a print-ready PDF, this is usually taken care of during the export process.
Before sending your artwork
A few simple checks before sending your artwork can help avoid delays and ensure your project is ready for print.
- Include crop marks and bleed if your artwork prints to the edge of the page
- Use high-resolution images to avoid blurry or pixelated printing
- Check the page size matches your finished document
- Export your artwork as a print-ready PDF, where possible
- Keep important text away from the edge of the page so it isn’t affected during trimming
Summary
Preparing artwork correctly helps avoid delays, improves print quality and ensures your finished materials look as intended. A few simple checks before printing can save time and help your project run smoothly.