Illustrator PDF for printing
Illustrator is suitable for logos, labels, stickers, cards and one-page printed products. The artboard must match the finished size.
Steps in brief
- Make the artboard the size of the finished product.
- Continue the backgrounds that go to the edge for bleed.
- Check Linked Images and Fonts.
- Remove extra objects outside the artboard.
- Save the PDF and review it separately.
Artboard to the right size
Make an artboard according to the finished printed product. If the background goes to the edge, continue it to the cutting edge side as well.
Check images and fonts
Make sure Linked Images are included or embedded. Fonts must work in PDF.
Export the PDF and open it separately
Check the finished PDF in a separate reader. Make sure everything is visible correctly and that there is no extra stuff left outside the artboard.
The artboard is the correct size and everything needed is inside it.
Extra objects or the wrong artboard size appear in the PDF.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common Illustrator error?
Incorrect artboard size or extra objects outside the artboard.
Do fonts need to be converted to paths?
It can sometimes help, but the most important thing is to check that the PDF looks right.
Can Illustrator make a multi-page brochure?
Oh, but InDesign is generally better for multi-page jobs.
