Bleed, resolution, colour mode and fonts: 7 steps to avoid surprises on press.
Most delays in printing are caused by files. This checklist helps your file get approved the first time.
- Use CMYK colour mode. RGB files can print dull or off-shade.
- Add 3 mm bleed. Backgrounds and images that reach the trim line should extend 3 mm beyond it.
- Respect the safe area. Keep text and logos at least 4–5 mm inside the trim line.
- Use 300 dpi images. 72 dpi web images look pixelated in print.
- Embed or outline fonts. Embed fonts in the PDF or convert text to outlines.
- Keep black text single-colour. Small black text should be on the K channel only; rich black causes misregistration.
- Save as PDF/X. PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 are the safest formats for print.
Our prepress team checks every file you send against these criteria and contacts you before printing if anything needs fixing.