How Do I Prepare My Files for Printing?

By Debbie Comer

We frequently receive files created in Canva or Adobe Creative Cloud from our customers. While these programs are great design platforms, they often lack important information needed to generate print-ready artwork. Let’s discuss some important elements to check before sending your art to print.

Document Color Space

Make sure your document color space is CMYK, not RGB. Unlike CMYK, RGB does not contain a true black. Therefore, your RGB files may look different when converted to CMYK for printing. By designing your artwork in the correct mode, you can help prevent color errors during the printing process.

Document Size

Document size should be the same as the finished size.

Colors

If you are using PMS colors in your design and your item is being printed in CMYK (4-Color Process), you will need to convert your file to CMYK before saving your print ready artwork.

Rich Black

In CMYK printing, all inks are made slightly translucent so they can interact and create millions of other colors. Because of this, if you have black areas on your design, please use a rich black to give those areas more substance. Each artist usually has their own formula for rich black. This mixture, C-60, M-40, Y-40, K-100, provides a rich color and is the recommended formula. Another possible mixture is C-50, M-50, Y-0, K-100, which is a starker black with blue undertones.

Fonts

Convert your fonts to outlines (in some programs, this process may be called “Converting to Curves”). Outlining your text prevents the file from having any font loading errors within our pre-flight equipment. However, always make sure your working file maintains editable text, so that you may continue editing later as needed.

Bleed & Crop Marks

If your artwork contains color, images, or text that runs off of any sides, you must add a bleed to your document. In most programs, this is a setting listed under “File Settings.” Different products call for different bleeds and crop configurations, but let’s break down some of the most common ones:.

  • If your document is printing on a press with paper or card stock, you will need an ⅛” of bleed and crop marks.
  • On booklets and folders, we recommend a ¼” of bleed and crop marks.
  • On coroplast, PVC, foamcore, car magnets, banner stands, and large posters, a ½” of bleed is needed with no crop marks.
  • On loose outdoor banners, indoor banners, and canvas banners, we request that no bleed or crop marks are placed. Instead, adjust your file to the size you are ordering (or a proportional size). If ordering hems, leave a 2″ safe zone on all sides. In general, expect to lose between ⅛” to 2″ per side with banners.
  • On mounted canvas, it is highly recommended to use our templates. The bleed requirement is 2″ per side.

If you do not see your item listed above, please feel free to ask our team. You can send your requests and questions to orders@jptgraphics.com, and we will be happy to guide you in the right direction. And of course, if you need professional help laying out your design, we have a wonderfully skilled crew of experienced designers on staff.