Perfect Prints Every Time

Getting your artwork files set up correctly for top quality printing can sometimes be tricky. But fear not, we have created this handy guide on how to create perfect print ready files.  

As our Pre-Press & Web Solutions Specialist, Caroline Murphy has firsthand experience of common hiccups we see- from low resolution files and incorrect colour profiles and beyond.  

Caroline has created this guide to set you up for success and get you on your way to producing high quality prints.  

1. Size

Your artwork should always be saved to the final print size, ensuring that key design elements will be within the print area and positioned to make the most impact.  

2. Resolution

Resolution is one of the most important elements when preparing your artwork for printing. It is measured in dpi or dots per inch.  

To ensure your print is of high quality, artwork should at least be 300 dpi. You can check the resolution on your artwork by zooming in on your document 100% to cast your eye over images and text to see how they will look when printed.  

Top tip- make sure any images you are using within your design are also 300 dpi or more and embed images within the artwork.  

3. Colour Profile

Like most commercial printers, we use a CMYK colour mode, which consists of four inks- cyan, magenta, yellow and black. As a subtractive colour model, it adds pigment to a page to subtract white from an image.  

Ensure the colour profile of your artwork is CMYK and not RGB. It’s important to remember that colours won’t print as vibrant as they appear on our screens.  

Ensure that black text is set to 100% black (not a mix of CMYK) and that white text is not set to overprint (in CMYK, white means no ink).  

4. Bleed

Adding a bleed to your artwork is essential to prepare for printing. This is the area of the image that is extended beyond the final trimmed size of your print.  

Add a 3mm bleed to your artwork to make sure your image extends to the edge of the page after trimming and avoids white paper showing along the edges of your print.  

When creating your design, you want to ensure that all elements are legible. Place all text and important design elements at least 5mm from all edges of the artwork to prevent anything being cut off. 

5. File Type

While we can accept images as jpeg and png files, we recommend that you provide your artwork as a PDF file to ensure the highest quality. 

6. Multi-Page Artwork

When supplying artwork for multi-page documents, ensure that you have the correct number of pages for your product selection in your order.  

The artwork should be provided as a single file, and should contain single pages in the correct running order from the cover page through to the back page.  

7. Paper Selection

When deciding on your paper type and weight, consider the end use of your print. For example, if you are printing business cards, 350gsm silk paper with a matt lamination will protect your print.  

Or, if you are printing loyalty cards, consider an uncoated finish which is suitable for writing on.  

We hope these handy tips and tricks to set up your print ready artwork are helpful. If you still would like some help from the pros, you can request a design by filling out the simple guide.  

Once you submit a design request, the team will be in touch with a quote, and once approved, you will have print ready artwork ready to go!