Print File Guidelines

Print File Guidelines

Preferred File Format

PDF is generally the preferred production format, ideally exported as a print-quality PDF.

Supply one final production file rather than multiple conflicting versions wherever possible.

If supplying native design files, linked images and fonts may also be required.

Artwork Size and Scale

Create artwork at the final finished size wherever practical.

For very large-format work, scaled artwork may be acceptable where agreed, but resolution must remain suitable at final output size.

Check orientation and finished dimensions before upload.

Bleed and Safe Area

Artwork that prints to the edge should include bleed beyond the finished trim edge.

Keep important text, logos, borders and critical content safely inside the trim edge.

Product-specific bleed or safe-area requirements shown on a template or product page take priority.

Resolution

For most small-format print, 300 dpi at final size is a good target for photographic/raster artwork.

Large-format products may be suitable at lower effective resolution because they are viewed from farther away.

Enlarging a low-resolution image does not create genuine additional detail.

Colour

Prepare print artwork in CMYK where practical.

RGB artwork may need to be converted for production and colours can change during conversion.

Screens are not exact print-colour references.

If a Pantone, spot colour, brand colour or close colour match is critical, tell Print Ready before ordering so an appropriate production method or proof can be discussed.

Fonts and Text

Embed fonts in the PDF or convert text to outlines where appropriate.

Check all spelling, names, dates, contact details, prices and other text before approval.

Very small or very fine text may reproduce differently depending on substrate and production method.

Black and Fine Detail

Small black text is generally best supplied as a simple black rather than a multi-colour rich black.

Large solid black areas may use a production-appropriate rich black where suitable.

Avoid extremely fine rules or detail that may be below the reliable capability of the chosen print process.

Images, Logos and Transparency

Use high-quality source images and logos.

Vector artwork is preferred for logos and line graphics where available.

Check transparency, shadows and effects after PDF export to ensure they reproduce as intended.

QR Codes and Barcodes

Customers are responsible for the content and destination encoded in QR codes and barcodes unless checking has been expressly agreed.

Test QR codes and barcodes from the final proof before approval.

Allow adequate clear space and avoid making codes unnecessarily small.

Cutting, Folding and Finishing

Commercial cutting, folding, binding and finishing are subject to reasonable production tolerances.

Avoid placing critical content directly on trim or fold lines.

Borders close to trim edges can make normal cutting variation more visually noticeable.

Variable Data and Personalisation

Check spreadsheets, mailing lists, names, addresses, numbering sequences and other variable data carefully before supply.

Print Ready does not automatically proofread, deduplicate, validate or correct Customer databases unless that service is expressly agreed.

Keep your own master copy of all source data.

Proof Approval

A digital proof is principally for checking content, layout and positioning; it is not necessarily an exact colour proof.

Check the entire proof, not only the area that was most recently changed.

Approval authorises production and changes after approval may incur costs or may no longer be possible.

File Responsibility

Print Ready may identify obvious technical issues as part of normal production, but this does not amount to a guarantee that every artwork problem will be detected.

If Print Ready warns you about a specific artwork risk and you instruct us to proceed, the finished result may reflect that identified risk.

These Guidelines should be read with Print Ready's Terms & Conditions of Sale. Mandatory Consumer rights are unaffected.