Here are the 7 key things you need to know before preparing your artwork to be printed with us:
1. We provide downloadable templates:On most of our product pages, you can find free downloadable templates to help you set up your artwork for print. They’re available in AI, IDML and PDF formats to suit the design software you’re working in. Our downloadable templates include key information on creating artwork as well as instructions on how to save out your print-ready PDF.
2. You need to include bleed:
Bleed is an area of print outside the document that must be added to your artwork before it’s sent off for print. By adding the all-important bleed (a minimum of 3mm on all edges), there’ll be no risk of white space left on your document and it'll be trimmed correctly without cutting into any design. Some products require a different amount of bleed, so be sure to check our downloadable templates to find out the correct amount.
3. Keep in mind the safe area:
The safe area is the space inside where your print will be trimmed. Keeping any important parts of your design away from this area will make sure that they aren’t accidentally trimmed off due to the natural movement while your print gets finished. Our downloadable templates will indicate the recommended amount of safe area for your print.
4. The difference between RGB and CMYK:
RGB is the colour gamut used to display images on a computer screen, and stands for Red, Green and Blue. CMYK is the colour gamut used for conventional printing, and stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. Unless you’re printing Giclée Fine Art Prints or Photographic Prints, please set up your artwork in CMYK.
5. Embed your fonts:
If you don’t embed fonts and your document is opened on another computer system that doesn’t have access to the original fonts, different fonts will be substituted instead. This could really affect the look of your finished print. Embedding fonts into your original design will stop them from changing. Find out how to embed your fonts
here.
6. Check your image resolution:
For the best print results, all artwork files should be at least 300dpi (dots per inch) when saved at the actual size they will appear in your design. This ensures that your final printed project is sharp and clear, not blurry or pixelated.
7. How to export a PDF:
Exporting your design into a print-ready PDF is easy. We’ve created some handy video guides which will take you through the process which you can find
here.
Find lots more artwork tips
here, including if you’re printing any special finishes such as foiling. For products with multiple pages, such as Brochures or Booklets, explore our book printing guide
here.
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