File type and size
Supply a PDF wherever possible, saved at the exact finished size of the product: an A5 flyer as 148 x 210mm, an A4 page as 210 x 297mm, and so on. Exporting from your design software to PDF fixes the layout, so what we print matches what you approved on screen.
Word, PowerPoint and image files can sometimes be used, but they are more likely to shift, lose fonts or print soft. If that is all you have, upload it and we will tell you whether it can be printed as is. See Accepted File Formats.
Bleed, margins and trim
- Bleed: if colour or images run to the edge, extend them 3mm past the trim line on every side.
- Safe area: keep text and logos at least 3–5mm inside the trim line so nothing is cut off.
- No crop marks inside the page: if your software adds them, place them outside the bleed.
- Borders: thin borders close to the edge can look uneven after trimming. Keep them well inside or avoid them.
Images, colour and fonts
- Resolution: photos and images should be about 300 dpi at the printed size. Images taken from websites are usually too low.
- Colour: CMYK files give the most predictable result. RGB files are converted and bright screen colours may print slightly duller.
- Black text: set small text in plain black rather than a four-colour black so it prints crisply.
- Fonts: embed or outline all fonts when exporting the PDF.
Large-format items such as banners and pull-ups are viewed from a distance, so the artwork set-up differs. Check the Banner Sizes Guide.
Proofing and approval
We check each file for size, bleed, resolution and obvious problems, then confirm it is ready. We do not proofread your wording, so check spelling, phone numbers, dates and prices carefully before uploading. Once you approve, the job is printed exactly as supplied.
For overnight jobs, upload early in the day. A file uploaded at 12:50 PM that needs one correction will almost certainly miss the 1:00 PM cutoff. More on this in Artwork Approval for Overnight Jobs.
Need help with design?
If you do not have artwork, or your file needs reworking, our team can help at an extra cost. Design time comes before production, so allow for it when choosing a turnaround tier. Request a quote with a description of what you need.
