What is a Print-Ready PDF?
If you’ve been asked to supply a print-ready PDF, you might wonder why a PDF is preferred over a Word document, PowerPoint or other file types.
The simple answer is that PDFs help ensure your artwork prints as intended.
Why are PDFs preferred for printing?
A PDF keeps your artwork together in a single file.
Unlike some other file formats, it preserves your layout, fonts, images and page sizes, helping ensure your document looks the same when it’s printed as it did when you created it.
That’s why PDFs have become the standard format for commercial printing.
What is a print-ready PDF?
A print-ready PDF is a PDF that’s been prepared specifically for professional printing.
Depending on your project, it may include:
- Crop marks
- Bleed
- CMYK colour
- High-resolution images
- Correct page size
Not every project will require all of these, but checking the artwork requirements before exporting your file can help avoid delays.
Can I use other file formats?
Sometimes.
Depending on the project, artwork may also be accepted in formats such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator or other professional design software.
However, unless you’ve been asked for something different, a print-ready PDF is usually the safest option.
What should I check before sending my PDF?
Before sending your artwork, it’s worth checking that:
- The page size is correct
- Bleed has been included if needed
- Images are high resolution
- The PDF has exported correctly
- Nothing has moved or changed during export
Taking a few moments to review your file can help avoid unnecessary delays before printing begins.
Summary
A print-ready PDF helps ensure your artwork is printed accurately by preserving your layout, images and fonts. Spending a few minutes checking your file before sending it can help your print project run more smoothly.