Accepted File Formats
To ensure the highest print quality and avoid production delays, we recommend supplying your final artwork in one of the following professional formats.
- Always supply artwork as a print-ready PDF with bleed, CMYK, and fonts embedded or outlined.
- Use 300dpi images at actual size to ensure sharp, professional print quality.
- Adobe Creative Cloud apps (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) provide the best tools for creating correct print-ready files.
- Office programs (Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, Pages, etc.) are not suitable for producing high-quality print artwork.
- If unsure, we can check, correct, or re-create your artwork to meet print standards.
Preferred Format: Print-Ready PDF
A Print Ready PDF is the industry standard for commercial printing.
To be considered print-ready, your PDF must:
- Be supplied at the correct finished size (also known as “trim size”)
- Include a minimum 3mm bleed on all edges (5mm for large format or booklets)
- Use CMYK colour mode (not RGB or Pantone unless agreed in advance)
- Be exported using the correct colour profile – FOGRA39
- Include crop marks and any required printer’s marks
- Have images at 300dpi resolution
A Print-Ready PDF ensures what you see on screen matches what will print.
Image Resolution
- All images and graphics should be supplied at 300 dpi (dots per inch) at final print size to avoid pixelation or blurriness.
- Avoid enlarging low-resolution images, as this will reduce quality.
- Images taken from the web are usually 72–96 dpi and are not suitable for print.
Fonts & Text
- Embed all fonts into the PDF or convert to outlines before exporting.
- Ensure you own the correct font licences — avoid using demo or trial fonts that may replace or corrupt on export.
- Check for overset text or font substitutions prior to final export.
Colour Mode & Profiles
- Artwork must be supplied in CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black), which is the colour model used for print.
- Files supplied in RGB or with spot colours may print differently unless converted correctly.
- Output colour profile: Use FOGRA39 (ISO Coated v2) for optimum print colour accuracy.
- If supplying spot/Pantone colours, please state this clearly in advance (additional charges may apply).
Other Accepted Professional Design File Formats
We also accept native design files from industry-standard software. These must be set up correctly and supplied with all supporting assets.
Adobe Illustrator (.ai, .eps)
- Embed all linked images and set them to 300 dpi minimum.
- Convert all fonts to outlines, or supply the font files with your artwork.
- Ensure art-boards include bleed and crop marks.
Adobe Photoshop (.psd, .tiff, .jpeg)
- Raster artwork should be supplied at 300 dpi in CMYK.
- Flatten layered files where possible to avoid missing fonts or effects.
- If supplying a layered PSD, fonts must be outlined or supplied.
Adobe InDesign (.indd)
- Use File > Package to collect and supply the InDesign file with all links and fonts.
- Include:
- Packaged InDesign file
- Links/Images folder
- Fonts folder
- PDF proof (recommended)
❌ Files Not Suitable for Print-Ready Artwork
Can I use office software such as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint?
These programs are not designed for professional print artwork, as they:
- Work in RGB and cannot export true CMYK
- Do not support bleed or crop marks
- Produce low-resolution output unsuitable for high-quality printing
For simple black-and-white text documents, Word may be acceptable. However, for any graphic-based, colour, or professionally printed piece, we do not recommend using these programs.
This also applies to:
This also applies to:
- Microsoft Publisher
- Apple Pages
- Apple Numbers
- Google Docs/Slides
Online Design Tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Express)
These platforms can be useful for basic design, but you must ensure:
- The export is saved as PDF Print
- Bleed and crop marks are added
- Colour settings are changed to CMYK (if the platform allows)
If you need assistance, we can re-create your design as a professional print-ready file, suitable for commercial printing and future reuse.
Need Help Making Your File Print Ready?
If you’re unsure whether your artwork meets print specifications, we can:
- Check your supplied files
- Correct any print-ready issues
- Fully rebuild your artwork professionally (additional cost may apply)
View our design services here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Crop marks show where the artwork will be trimmed after printing and help ensure accurate finishing.
Bleed is extra artwork that extends beyond the final trim size (usually 3mm). It prevents white edges from appearing if there’s a slight movement during trimming.
Yes, but please let us know in advance. Spot colours may require special printing processes and could incur additional costs if not already included in your order.
Where possible, yes. Flattening transparency helps avoid unexpected effects when printing, especially if your file contains shadows, glows, or layered elements.
Absolutely. We offer a file check service to ensure your artwork meets print requirements. If any issues are detected, we’ll advise on corrections before printing.
Yes — we can correct minor print issues such as bleed, colour mode, or font outlining. For more detailed changes or full artwork creation, design charges may apply.
Please place all associated files (PDFs, images, fonts, etc.) into a clearly labelled folder and compress (ZIP) before sending.
