Guidelines on preparing a print file for printing pdf
Color Mode: Use CMYK
- CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black): Always design in or convert your final file to the CMYK color space.
- Avoid RGB: Digital screens use RGB, but printers use ink; leaving files in RGB can cause "muddy" or unexpected color shifts when printed.
- True Black: Ensure critical black text is set to 100% K (Black) for maximum sharpness.
Resolution: 300 DPI Minimum
- Standard Prints: For brochures, flyers, and business cards, images must be at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) to prevent pixelation.
- Large Format: For banners or posters, 150 DPI is typically sufficient due to the larger viewing distance.
- Vectors: Use vector formats (AI, EPS, SVG) for logos and text so they remain sharp at any size.
Layout: Bleeds, Trims, and Safe Zones
- Bleed (0.125"): Extend backgrounds and images 0.125 inches (3mm) beyond the final trim line to ensure no white edges appear after the paper is cut.
- Safe Zone (0.25"): Keep all essential text and logos at least 0.25 inches (6mm) inside the edge of the document to avoid them being trimmed off during production.
- Trim Marks: When exporting, include "crop" or "trim" marks to show the printer exactly where to cut.
Typography: Embed or Outline Fonts
- Embed Fonts: Ensure all fonts are embedded in the PDF so they don't default to a standard font if the printer doesn't have yours.
- Create Outlines: Alternatively, convert text to "outlines" (curves), which turns text into vector shapes that cannot be altered.
Final Export Settings
- PDF Presets: Use "High Quality Print" or "Press Quality" presets when saving from software like Adobe InDesign or Illustrator.
- PDF/X Standards: If available, export as PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 for the highest compatibility with professional printing equipment.
- Flatten Layers: For Photoshop files, flatten all layers before saving as a PDF to eliminate transparency issues.