Print Design
What is Print-Ready Artwork?
Print-ready artwork means the file is set up correctly for a printer to use without adjustments. Getting it wrong causes delays, reprints and unexpected costs.
Published 1 June 2026
The key technical requirements
Print-ready artwork needs to meet specific technical requirements before it can go to a printer. The main ones are: bleed (artwork that extends beyond the trim edge, typically 3mm, so that cutting the sheet does not leave a white border), safe zone (important content kept at least 3–5mm inside the trim edge), correct resolution (300dpi minimum for sharp print output), and correct document size matching the final trimmed dimensions.
Colour and file format
Files should be set in CMYK colour mode, not RGB. RGB is for screens; CMYK is the four-colour printing process. Supplying an RGB file to a printer will result in colour shifts that are often unpredictable and sometimes significant. The standard file format for print-ready artwork is a high-quality PDF (ideally PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4), with fonts embedded and images at full resolution. Linked images that are not embedded will cause problems at the printers.
Common mistakes that cause reprints
The most common issues that cause reprints are: artwork supplied in RGB instead of CMYK, missing bleed, important content too close to the edge, fonts not embedded, images at screen resolution (72dpi) rather than print resolution (300dpi), and incorrect document size. Each of these can be avoided with a simple pre-flight check before sending files. A good designer will run this check automatically before supplying files to a printer.
What to expect from a professional designer
When you commission print design from a professional, you should receive files that are ready for print without you needing to do anything further. This means correct bleed, correct colour mode, embedded fonts, supplied images at full resolution, and files exported to the printer's stated specifications. If you are receiving design files that require correction before printing, that is a sign the work has not been properly finished.
Work with Ross
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Ross Boag provides freelance graphic design, web design, brand design, print artwork, motion graphics and monthly creative support for businesses across Glasgow, Scotland and the UK.