Print-Ready Artwork Guide

Before uploading artwork, check that the file meets the requirements for your chosen product. This guide covers the standard setup for most print products. Always check the product page or template for any product-specific requirements.

1. Before You Start

Before creating or approving artwork, check that:

• The design is suitable for the selected product and size.
•  All contact details, spelling and dates are correct.
• You have the final approved content.
• The artwork is appropriate for print.
• Any product-specific requirements have been checked

Templates are available from the Artwork Setup section of each product page

 

2. Document Setup

Trim Size, Bleed and Safety Area

Set your document to the correct finished size, known as the trim size.

For example, an A4 letterhead has:

• Trim size: 297 × 210mm
• Document size with 3mm bleed: 303 × 216mm

For most products:

• Add 3mm bleed on every edge.
• Keep important text, logos and images at least 3mm inside the trim edge.

Bleed and safety requirements vary between products. Always use the supplied template or check the product page before finalising your design.

If using a template, remove or hide all template and guide layers before exporting your PDF.

 

3. Export Your Print-Ready File

File Types
We accept JPEG, PDF, PNG, AI, PSD and INDD files. However, we recommend supplying a high-resolution PDF wherever possible

PDF Preset
For Adobe InDesign, use the PDF/X-1a:2001 preset where available. This creates a print-ready PDF and flattens transparency.

Fonts
Embed all fonts when exporting your file. This ensures text prints as intended.

If you are creating artwork in Microsoft Office, go to Options > Save and select Embed fonts in the file.

Colour Mode
Supply artwork in CMYK colour mode. RGB and Pantone colours may be converted during production, which can change their appearance.

Crop Marks
Do not add crop marks or colour bars unless specifically requested. These are added later in our production workflow and may interfere with online proofing.

When exporting, include bleed but deselect printer’s marks.

 

4. Final Checks

Use images at 300dpi or higher for small-format print, unless the product page states a different tolerance.

Check that images are sharp and not pixelated. Raster images, such as JPEGs and PNGs, may lose quality when enlarged. Vector artwork can be scaled without losing sharpness.

Our uploader may flag low-resolution images. A free artwork check is also available if you need help.

Text and Line Weights

• Minimum text size: 8pt for small-format print
• Minimum text size: 12pt for large-format print.
• Minimum line weight: 0.25pt
• Minimum line weight for Spot UV or foil: 1pt.

File Size and Complexity

Keep uploaded files below 2GB.

Very complex artwork with a busy wireframe may load slowly or cause processing issues. If possible, simplify unnecessary paths and compress the PDF during export.

Page Order

For multi-page documents, supply pages in the correct reading order. Check that the front, reverse and any cover pages are in the correct position.

Some products allow up to four files to be uploaded. Where multiple files are required, upload them in the order shown on the product setup instructions.

Safety Area

Keep all important details inside the safety area. Text or images too close to the trim edge may be cut off during finishing.

Where possible, allow extra space beyond the minimum safety area to account for normal trimming tolerance.

White Lines and Screen Artefacts

Fine white lines or boxes may appear in some on-screen previews, particularly around transparent or flattened elements. These are often display artefacts and may not print.

For a more reliable check in Adobe Acrobat:

1. Open Preferences using Ctrl + K.
2. Select Page Display.
3. Turn Smooth Line Art and Smooth Images on or off to compare the preview.

If you are unsure, download and check the PDF proof rather than relying on a browser preview.

Ink Coverage and Colour Contrast

Avoid very light printed elements, especially watermarks.

Use at least 11% ink coverage for light areas.
Aim for at least a 25% difference between colours that need to remain visibly distinct.

For example, a shape placed on a similar-coloured background may blend in when printed if there is too little contrast.

VAT

VAT may apply to some products, particularly products sized A3 or larger. Check the product page and checkout for the VAT status of your order.

For further information, see HMRC’s VAT Notice 701/10: zero rating of books and other printed matter.