Sending your Print-ready Files

Before sending your files, please make sure they are:

  • Correct size with required bleed (3 mm or 1/8″)

  • CMYK color mode

  • 300 dpi minimum (150–200 dpi for large format acceptable)

  • Fonts outlined or embedded

  • Images embedded

  • Trim marks included (if needed)

Accepted file formats:

  • PDF (preferred)

  • AI / EPS

  • TIFF / PSD

  • High-resolution JPEG (for images only)

 

File Formats

Accepted formats:

  • PDF (preferred)

  • AI / EPS (with fonts outlined)

  • TIFF / PSD

  • High-resolution JPEG (for images only)

Please export PDF files using:

  • PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 standards

  • All fonts embedded or outlined

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Page Setup Instructions

Please set up your artwork as follows:

  • Document Size: Create your document at the exact final size you want your job to print.

  • Page Format: Supply artwork as single pages (not spreads).

  • Bleed: Include a 3 mm bleed on all sides of your document.

  • Crop Marks: Export your print-ready PDF with crop marks clearly indicating the trim area.

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Bleed, Trim & Safe Area

To prevent white edges or trimming issues:

  • Bleed: Minimum 3 mm (⅛ inch) beyond trim on all sides

  • Safety area: Keep text and critical elements 5 mm–10 mm inside trim

  • Include trim marks in your final export

Font Guidelines

To ensure your printed artwork reproduces correctly and avoids unwanted font substitutions, please follow the font requirements below:

1. Outline or Embed All Fonts

  • Convert all text to outlines/curves before exporting your final PDF.

  • If outlining is not possible, ensure all fonts are fully embedded in the PDF.

2. Minimum Font Sizes

  • Body text: 8 pt or larger

  • Thin or light fonts: 6 pt minimum (avoid very light weights for small text)

  • Reversed-out (white) text on dark backgrounds: 8 pt minimum, use medium or bold weights for better readability.

3. Avoid Using Low-Quality or Web Fonts

  • Avoid fonts designed for screen display only.

  • Choose print-safe, high-quality typefaces (e.g., OpenType or Type 1).

4. Black Text Settings

  • For small black text, use 100% K only to prevent registration issues.

  • Do not use “rich black” for fine or small fonts.

5. Font Licensing

  • Ensure you have permission to use all fonts included in your artwork.

  • Some fonts do not allow embedding—outline these before exporting.

6. Consistency

  • Keep font usage consistent across your document to avoid formatting shifts.

  • Avoid mixing too many typefaces.

Colour Guidelines

1. Process Colours (CMYK)

Process colours are referred to as CMYK:

Cyan (C), Magenta (M), Yellow (Y), and Black (K).

They are also known as four-colour process or simply process colour.

These four inks are combined in varying percentages to reproduce a full spectrum of colours in print. All full-colour printing relies on CMYK separations.

2. CMYK+ (Specialty Dry Inks)

If your artwork includes specialty dry inks such as:

  • White

  • Clear

  • Silver

  • Gold

Please ensure that:

  • Files are submitted as complete packaged files, including all linked images and fonts.

  • Specialty inks are clearly labelled as spot colours in your artwork.

3. RGB to CMYK Conversion

  • Convert all RGB colours to CMYK before submitting your artwork.

  • Printing presses cannot produce colour separations from RGB files.

  • If your project is full colour, please work entirely in CMYK from the start.

If your design software does not support CMYK, we will need to convert your colours before printing, which may result in colour shifts.

4. Colour Accuracy

Please note:

  • Computer monitors, mobile screens, and desktop printers do not display colours the same way as commercial printing presses.

  • Colours may appear different once printed due to differences in technology, colour profiles, paper types, and ink behaviour.

If exact colour matching is required, please discuss this with us in advance so we can advise on proofing or spot colour options.

Images & Scans

1. Image Resolution

All scans and images used in your artwork must be supplied at a minimum of 300 dpi at the final placed size.

  • Images below 300 dpi may print pixelated, blurry, or soft.

  • Ensure your images are the correct resolution before placing them into your layout.

2. Unsuitable Web Images

Images or logos saved from websites are typically 72–96 dpi, which is far too low for high-quality printing.

  • These files are intended for screens, not print.

  • They will appear blurry, jagged, or heavily pixelated in the final output.

3. Do Not Upscale Low-Resolution Images

Increasing the size or resolution of a low-quality image in Photoshop or other software does not improve quality.

  • Upscaling only enlarges the existing pixels and can result in visible pixelation.

  • Example: A 300 dpi image scaled to 400% becomes 75 dpi at its placed size—unacceptable for print.

4. Use High-Quality, Professional Imagery

We strongly recommend using professionally sourced images because low-quality images downgrade the overall look of your design.

Reliable sources for high-quality stock images include:

  • Shutterstock

  • Freepik

  • Getty Images

  • Adobe Stock

  • iStock