Artwork Guidelines
Supplying correctly prepared artwork helps ensure your print is produced accurately and avoids unnecessary delays. These guidelines cover the general artwork requirements for products ordered through PRINTdirect.
Some products have specific artwork requirements, templates or technical specifications. Where these differ from the guidance below, the information shown on the individual product page takes priority.
On This Page:
File Formats
For most products, we recommend supplying print-ready artwork as a PDF.
Where appropriate, we may also accept files created in professional design applications such as Adobe Illustrator or InDesign. Editable source files may require additional fonts, linked images and supporting assets.
For the most reliable production workflow:
- Supply one print-ready PDF wherever possible.
- Ensure all pages are included in the correct order.
- Avoid password-protected or encrypted files.
- Remove unnecessary crop marks, colour bars and printer marks unless specifically requested.
- Use the artwork template supplied on the product page where one is available.
Artwork Size
Artwork should normally be created at the finished size of the printed product.
For example, an A4 item should be designed at A4 size before bleed is added.
If artwork must be supplied at a reduced scale for a large-format product, check the relevant product’s Artwork Guide or Technical Specifications before submitting your file.
Bleed
Most printed products require artwork to extend beyond the finished trim size.
Unless the individual product specifies otherwise, add 3 mm bleed on every edge.
Background colours, images and graphics that are intended to reach the edge of the finished product should extend fully into the bleed area.
Do not simply enlarge the entire design to create bleed, as this can alter the intended size and positioning of text and graphics.
Safe Area
Keep important text, logos and other critical elements safely inside the trim line.
As a general rule, keep essential content at least 3 mm inside the finished edge, unless the product template specifies a larger safe area.
Products involving folding, binding, drilling, eyelets or other finishing may require additional clearance.
Colour
Artwork intended for professional print should normally be supplied in CMYK colour mode.
RGB colours are designed primarily for screens and may change when converted for print.
Please be aware that:
- Printed colours can differ from those displayed on a monitor.
- Different papers and materials reproduce colour differently.
- Uncoated stocks generally absorb more ink than coated stocks.
- Special colours, metallic inks and Pantone colours should only be used where the selected product supports them.
If exact colour matching is critical, contact us before ordering.
Image Resolution
For most standard printed products, images should be approximately 300 dpi at their final printed size.
Low-resolution images may appear soft, blurred or pixelated when printed.
Large-format products may use different resolution requirements because they are normally viewed from a greater distance. Always check the individual product’s technical specifications where available.
Increasing the resolution of a poor-quality image does not restore detail that was not present in the original file.
Fonts & Text
All fonts should either be:
- Embedded correctly within the supplied PDF, or
- Converted to outlines where appropriate.
Check all spelling, punctuation, contact details, prices, dates and other text carefully before submitting your artwork.
Very small type and extremely fine text may not reproduce clearly on some materials or print processes.
Black Text & Fine Detail
For small black text and fine black elements, use 100% black (K) wherever appropriate rather than building the colour from multiple CMYK inks.
Avoid excessively thin lines or very small details that may be difficult to reproduce consistently in print.
Requirements can vary by printing method, so refer to the individual product specifications where relevant.
Images & Linked Graphics
Ensure all placed images and graphics are included correctly before exporting your final PDF.
Images should:
- Be high enough resolution for their intended print size.
- Not contain missing links.
- Be positioned correctly within the artwork.
- Extend into the bleed where they run to the edge.
Vector logos and graphics are preferable where possible because they can be scaled without losing quality.
Transparency & Effects
Transparency, shadows, gradients and other effects should be checked carefully when creating the final print-ready PDF.
Complex effects can sometimes reproduce differently when artwork is processed for commercial printing.
Always review the exported PDF rather than relying solely on the original design file.
Borders & Frames
Borders close to the edge of a printed item can appear uneven because normal production tolerances allow slight movement during trimming.
If your design includes a border, keep it comfortably inside the trim area and make it sufficiently wide to allow for normal cutting tolerances.
Very narrow borders are best avoided.
Folded Artwork
If your product folds, ensure panels, fold positions and page orientation are correct.
Some folded products have panels that are intentionally different widths to allow the finished piece to fold correctly.
Where a template is supplied, design directly to that template rather than assuming all panels are equal.
Booklets & Multi-Page Documents
Supply booklet artwork as individual pages in reading order unless the product instructions specifically state otherwise.
Do not normally create printer spreads yourself.
Check that:
- The page count meets the requirements of the selected product.
- Pages are in the correct order.
- Blank pages are included where required.
- Important content is kept clear of binding and trimming areas.
Binding methods such as saddle stitching, perfect binding and wire binding have different artwork requirements. Always check the relevant product guide.
Special Finishes
Products with finishes such as:
- Foil
- Spot UV
- White ink
- Raised effects
- Die cutting
- Cutting paths
- Perforation
- Creasing
may require additional artwork layers, spot colours or separate files.
Follow the product-specific artwork instructions carefully when ordering these products.
Do not assume the same setup applies to every specialist finish.
Cut Lines & Cutter Guides
Products with custom shapes may require a dedicated cutting path.
Where required, this should normally be supplied as a clean vector path using the naming, colour and layer instructions provided with the product.
Always use the downloadable artwork template where one is available.
Large Format Artwork
Large-format products such as banners, displays, signage and exhibition graphics may have different artwork requirements from conventional lithographic or digital print.
Depending on the product, artwork may be supplied at full size or at an approved scale.
Check the product’s Technical Specifications for:
- Required scale
- Resolution
- Bleed
- Safe areas
- Finishing positions
- Eyelets
- Hemming
- Pole pockets
- Display hardware
Artwork Templates
Many PRINTdirect products include downloadable artwork templates.
Templates may be supplied in formats such as:
- EPS
- Adobe InDesign
Where available, we strongly recommend using the product template when preparing your artwork.
The template will show important information such as trim size, bleed, safe areas, folds, cut lines and finishing positions.
Before Uploading Your Artwork
Before submitting your file, check that:
- The document size is correct.
- Bleed has been added where required.
- Important content is within the safe area.
- Images are suitable for print.
- Colours are set correctly.
- Fonts are embedded or outlined.
- Pages are present and in the correct order.
- Spelling, contact details and dates have been checked.
- Special finishing artwork has been prepared correctly.
- The final exported PDF has been reviewed at high magnification.
Artwork Checking
Artwork supplied to PRINTdirect may undergo technical checks before production.
These checks are intended to identify common production issues, but they should not be treated as a substitute for proofreading or professional artwork preparation.
You remain responsible for checking the content and accuracy of your artwork before approving it for print.
Where we identify an issue that prevents production, we may contact you for corrected artwork.
Need Help With Your Artwork?
If your file is not print-ready, we can help.
Our artwork services can assist with common issues, including:
- Artwork corrections
- File preparation
- Image enhancement
- Logo vectorisation
- Artwork refreshes
- Professional design support
Most Design Is Made for Screens—Make Yours Work in Print
Print has different rules—resolution, colour, finishes, scale. We’ll refine, rebuild, or create artwork that reproduces beautifully, so your printed materials do the job they’re meant to do.
Print Sourcing, Artwork Checks & Production Management
Let Us Manage Your Print Project From Quote to Completion
From packaging and large-format graphics to brochures, stationery and branded merchandise, we’ll help specify the job, check artwork, manage proofing, coordinate production and oversee delivery.