Setting Up Your Print File
A complete checklist before you upload
Correct dimensions
Match your product size in mm
3mm bleed
Background extends past trim
CMYK color mode
Not RGB screen colors
300 DPI images
Sharp, print-quality resolution
Fonts embedded
Or converted to outlines
The print-ready checklist
Before uploading your file, run through these five checks:
1. Correct dimensions — set your document to the exact product size (e.g. 90×55mm for business cards, 210×297mm for A4).
2. 3mm bleed — extend your background 3mm beyond the trim on all sides.
3. CMYK color mode — convert from RGB to avoid color surprises.
4. 300 DPI resolution — ensure all images are at least 300 DPI at print size.
5. Fonts embedded or outlined — convert text to outlines/curves, or ensure fonts are embedded in your PDF. Missing fonts get substituted, breaking your layout.
Accepted file formats
PDF (recommended) — preserves fonts, vectors, and color profiles. Our preflight scanner can fully analyze PDFs and give you instant quality feedback.
AI (Adobe Illustrator) — native vector format. Reviewed by our production team.
PSD (Adobe Photoshop) — layered raster format. Reviewed by our production team.
Maximum file size: 100 MB. If your file is larger, try flattening layers or reducing embedded image resolution.
Recommended export settings
When exporting your PDF:
- Select PDF/X-1a or Press Quality preset - Enable Crop Marks (so we see the trim lines) - Set bleed to 3mm on all sides - Choose CMYK color output - Select High Quality Print or 300 DPI for image compression - Enable Embed All Fonts (or convert to outlines)
These settings work in Illustrator, InDesign, and most professional design tools.