A print-ready file is a PDF at 300 DPI, in CMYK colors, with 3 mm of bleed and embedded fonts. Check these points before sending it to the print shop to avoid reprinting.
What resolution is right?
300 DPI at the actual size of the design. An image that looks fine on screen can print blurry if it is only 72 DPI.
What is the difference between RGB and CMYK?
RGB is the color model of screens and CMYK is the color model of print. Converting the design to CMYK before sending shows you the color closest to what will be printed. Otherwise it may look duller than you expected.
What are bleed and the safe margin?
- Bleed: 3 mm outside the design boundary, so the background extends past the cut line.
- Safe margin: 3 to 5 mm inside the boundary, so text does not touch the cut line.
What is the final checklist?
- The dimensions match the print size.
- Images are at 300 DPI.
- Colors are CMYK.
- Bleed and safe margin are in place.
- Fonts are embedded or converted to outlines.
- The file is a PDF.
- Spelling has been proofread.
Do you handle the printing?
No. I prepare the file for print only. You print it at the print shop of your choice.