Quick Guide – Preparing a PDF for Printing
Quick Guide – Preparing a Print-Ready PDF File
This quick guide helps you prepare your file correctly for printing. A properly made PDF speeds up production and ensures the best final result. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Quick Checklist
- Page size: must match the ordered product (final trim size).
- Bleed: add at least 2 mm for elements reaching the edge.
- Safe margin: keep text and logos at least 4–6 mm away from the trim line.
- Fonts: embed fonts in the PDF (usually automatic) or convert text to outlines.
- Images: correct size and enough resolution (avoid stretching).
- Colors: files can be RGB or CMYK. Use CMYK values if your brand colors are defined that way.
- Linked files: if delivering open files, include images and fonts in the same folder.
Bleed and Safe Margins
| Item | Recommendation | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Bleed | At least 2 mm on each edge | Prevents unwanted white borders after trimming |
| Safe margin | 4–6 mm for text and logos | Ensures important elements stay intact and clean |
If your design has background color or images extending to the edge, bleed is essential.
Colors and Color Accuracy
RGB or CMYK?
In digital printing, files can be provided in RGB or CMYK. Production equipment handles both and optimizes colors automatically. If your brand colors are defined in CMYK, it is best to use those values in your design.
Screens may display colors differently, so slight variation is normal.
When is CMYK especially important?
- When brand colors are defined with CMYK values.
- When you need consistent color across multiple print runs.
- For key brand materials such as brochures and covers.
Image Resolution (dpi)
| Material | Recommendation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photographs | 300 dpi (good), 400 dpi (excellent) | Low dpi may appear soft or pixelated |
| Logos and text | Vector (best) or at least 1200 dpi if raster | Vector ensures sharp edges at any size |
Final PDF Check
1) Scale and pages
- Open the PDF and check at 100% zoom that the size is correct.
- Make sure the number and order of pages is correct.
2) Sharpness
- Zoom to 300% and check the sharpness of text and logos.
- If elements look blurry, review resolution or vector formats.
Software-Specific Notes
Adobe Photoshop
- Create the document at the correct size and use 300 dpi (recommended 400 dpi).
- Add bleed and keep text inside safe margins.
- Export as PDF and confirm the final size matches the ordered product.
Digital Proof
We can provide a digital PDF proof for review. It confirms layout and content, but does not guarantee perfectly accurate colors. For critical colors, we recommend a printed proof.
FAQ
Can the file be in RGB?
Yes. Digital printing equipment can process both RGB and CMYK files and optimize colors automatically. If your brand colors are defined in CMYK, it is best to use those values.
What is the minimum bleed?
We recommend at least 2 mm. If your background reaches the edge, bleed should always be included.
What if I’m not sure how to make a print-ready file?
No worries — send your file as best you can. We will review it and guide you if any adjustments are needed before printing.
Next Step
Once your PDF is ready, ordering is simple: choose your product, select size and paper, and upload your file.
Tip: If you order multiple products with the same design, use clear filenames (e.g. “A5-brochure_2026_v1.pdf”). It speeds up file checking.
