Print Artwork Checklist
Everything to check before sending a file to press — formats, resolution, bleed, colour mode and the errors that cause most reprints.
Accepted file formats
- PDF (preferred) — print-ready PDF with fonts embedded and bleed included. Send this if you can.
- AI — Adobe Illustrator, with fonts outlined and linked images embedded
- CDR — CorelDRAW, widely used in Indian print. Convert text to curves before sending
- PSD — Photoshop, flattened or with layers, at 300 DPI
- PNG / JPG — acceptable for simple jobs at 300 DPI final size, though not ideal for text
- Not accepted for print — Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Canva screenshots. We can work from them but quality will be compromised, and we will tell you honestly what to expect.
Resolution
300 DPI at final print size is the standard for anything held in the hand. The phrase "at final size" matters: a 300 DPI image is only 300 DPI at its native dimensions, and enlarging it reduces effective resolution proportionally. For large format, lower is acceptable because viewing distance increases — 100–150 DPI for standees, 72 DPI for large hoardings. Vector artwork has no resolution and scales infinitely, which is why logos should always be supplied as vectors where possible.
Bleed and safe area
- Bleed: extend background colour and images 3 mm beyond every trim edge
- Safe area: keep text and logos at least 4 mm inside the trim line
- Crop marks: include them if exporting a PDF for print
- Fold lines: mark them on a separate layer for brochures and folders, do not print them
Colour mode
Supply CMYK. RGB is a screen colour space with a wider gamut than ink can reproduce; saturated blues, greens and oranges will shift when converted. For deep black areas use a rich black mix rather than 100% K alone — around C40 M30 Y30 K100 gives a much deeper result on large solid areas. For small text, however, use 100% K only, because a four-colour mix on small type produces fuzzy edges if registration drifts slightly.
Fonts
Either embed fonts in the PDF or convert text to outlines or curves. If a font is neither embedded nor outlined, the press substitutes it and your layout reflows — which is how a carefully set card ends up in Arial. Converting to outlines is the safest option, but keep an editable copy for yourself, because outlined text cannot be edited afterwards.
Common errors we catch
- No bleed on a coloured background — the most frequent issue by far
- Text too close to the trim edge and at risk of being clipped
- Low-resolution logo pulled from a website
- RGB colour causing unexpected shifts on conversion
- Fonts neither embedded nor outlined
- Spot colours left in a file intended for CMYK printing, adding an unwanted plate
- Hairline rules below 0.25 pt that may disappear on press
- Barcodes scaled disproportionately so they will not scan
- Transparency effects that flatten unpredictably
Our free pre-press check
Every order goes through pre-press before printing at no charge. We verify bleed, resolution, colour mode, font embedding, die-line accuracy and barcode scannability, then send a digital proof for approval. If something is wrong we tell you what and why rather than printing it and letting you discover the problem on delivery. Where a logo is too low-resolution, we can rebuild it as vectors for a nominal fee.
Related reading: business card size guide, paper GSM guide and get an instant quote.
Common questions.
What file format is best for printing?
A print-ready PDF with fonts embedded and 3 mm bleed included. AI and CDR files are also fine with text converted to outlines or curves.
What resolution do I need for print?
300 DPI at final print size for anything held in the hand. Large format can be lower — 100–150 DPI for standees and around 72 DPI for large hoardings, because viewing distance increases.
How much bleed do printers need?
3 mm on every edge is standard in India. Extend background colours and images into the bleed area so no white edge appears if the trim shifts slightly.
Should I send RGB or CMYK files?
CMYK. RGB has a wider gamut than printing ink can reproduce, so saturated blues, greens and oranges shift during conversion.
Can you print from a Canva or Word file?
We can work from them, but quality is usually compromised — they often lack bleed, use RGB colour and embed low-resolution images. We will tell you honestly what to expect and can rebuild the file if needed.
Do I need to outline fonts?
Either outline them or embed them in the PDF. If neither, the press may substitute the font and your layout will reflow. Keep an editable copy before outlining.
Need this printed?
Send your artwork and quantity. Free pre-press check on every order, with a digital proof before we print.