Best Practices for Print Files

We want to provide you with the highest quality prints possible, and that all starts with the print file that you provide us. Here are a few things to check before you submit your print file to ensure you get the print products you want:

• File format: submitting your files as PDFs is best, ideally using the PDF/X-1a:2001 standard, to avoid formatting issues.
• Resolution: for any non-vector-based files or elements, please ensure that your file/element has a resolution of at least 300 DPI for sharp, clear prints.
• Colour mode: Please use CMYK as your colour mode to ensure that the colours we print match the colours in your file.
• Bleed: If you wish to print to the edge of the page, please ensure your print file includes the bleed in the design (typically 1/8″).

Read on below for more details about these requirements!

File Requirements for High-Quality Printing

To ensure the highest quality for your print projects, it’s crucial to understand the importance of file types, resolution, and colour modes. This guide provides essential information to help you prepare your files for printing with the best possible results.

File Type: PDF

Always submit your files in PDF format. PDF stands for Portable Document Format and is the best type of file to send to any printer. PDF files can be viewed on any platform, ensuring that what you send is exactly what your finished product will look like, without any re-formatting issues. This consistency is often not seen with programs like Microsoft Word, Photoshop or others when opened on different computers. We recommend using the PDF/X-1a:2001 standard for the best quality. Click here for more information.

Resolution: DPI

Resolution is measured in DPI (Dots Per Inch). The higher the DPI, the clearer your image will be when printed. For most print projects, ensure your images have a resolution of at least 300 DPI. Images created for viewing on a computer screen often have a lower DPI, typically around 72 DPI, which is not suitable for print. For images that are to be printed on an 8.5×11 inch sheet or larger, a DPI of 150-300 is required. Higher DPIs may be needed for larger formats like posters. Remember, vector images (EPS, SVG, AI) will maintain their clarity regardless of size. Click here for more information on resolution requirements.

Colour Mode: CMYK

Understanding colour modes is crucial for achieving accurate colour representation in print. Monitors use RGB (Red, Green, Blue) colour mode, which is suitable for digital designs. However, printers use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) colour mode. Using a CMYK colour profile ensures your printed colours match your design intentions as closely as possible. Using RGB for print can cause colour inconsistencies. For the best results, convert your designs to CMYK before printing. Click here for more information on colour modes.

Additional Tips

• Bleed and Crop Marks: Ensure your document includes bleed and crop marks. This prevents white edges on your final print product, which is a default outcome of printing. Click here for information on how to set up your document for bleed.
• Fonts: Embed all fonts within your PDF to avoid font substitution issues.
• Viewing Distance: Consider the viewing distance for large prints. The required DPI decreases as the viewing distance increases (e.g., 300 DPI for close-up, 35 DPI for 5m/16ft away).

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your print projects meet professional standards and look exactly as you intended. For detailed instructions on saving files as PDFs and optimizing your print job, including software-specific guides (Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Canva), click here.