Artwork Requirements for Printing

What are the print-ready file requirements?

1. Resolution: ≥ 300 dpi Ensures your images and text print sharply, without pixelation or blurriness—even at close viewing distances.

2. Color Mode: CMYK Converting your file to CMYK before uploading prevents unexpected color shifts during our production process.

3. Bleed: 0.125″ beyond the trim edge Extending artwork past the cut line accounts for minor shifting on the press—so you won’t end up with white slivers at the page edge.

4. Crop Marks Precisely marks where the press will trim your job, helping our operators cut to the exact final size you designed.

5. File Format: Single, Press‑Ready PDF A flattened PDF with embedded or outlined fonts locks in your layout and design exactly as intended—no missing fonts or misplaced elements.

What is resolution, and how do I set it?

Resolution (measured in DPI, or dots per inch) indicates how much detail your image contains. Higher DPI means finer detail but also larger files and longer upload times. We recommend designing or exporting your artwork at 300 dpi at the final print size—that way your photos and graphics stay crisp when printed. (Simply telling a program to “bump up” the DPI without updating the source image won’t actually add detail.)

CMYK vs. RGB – why does it matter?

• CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) is the ink‑based color model we use in production.

• RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is how colors appear on screens.

If you submit an RGB file, bright on‑screen hues may not translate perfectly to print. By converting your document to CMYK before you export, you’ll see a closer match between what you see on your monitor and what comes off our press.

Why might printed colors look different than on my screen?

Every monitor displays colors using light; our presses mix inks to reproduce them. Even with top‑tier color‑matching systems, some on‑screen shades (especially very bright or neon‑style colors) can’t be exactly replicated in print. We maintain strict color‑control standards to keep any variation minimal—particularly within the same order—but it’s always best to design in CMYK to reduce surprises.

Absolutely! We offer a wide selection of blank templates to help you set up your artwork correctly and avoid common design issues.

Whether you're working on business cards, banners, brochures, or any of our other offerings. Each template is sized and formatted to match our print specs, so you can create with confidence and submit files that are ready to go.

Please click here to browse and download the right template for your product.

Absolutely! We offer comprehensive logo design to accommodate any print project. Please visit our contact page to choose your favorite way to contact us or just send us email with the details to print@theprinter.pro. Our experts will help you with designing your dream product and making it a reality!