Use this guide to prepare press-ready files for printing with Designline. Following these requirements helps avoid delays and keeps text, images and trim edges looking as intended.

Still choosing a format? Compare Designline’s flyer printing options and A4 and A5 magazine printing before you set up your file.

Accepted file format

Supply your artwork as a press-ready PDF. The linked guide is a one-page checklist you can use before uploading.

Image resolution

Use images at a minimum resolution of 300 dpi at the final print size. Low-resolution images prepared for the web (often 72 dpi) may look soft or pixelated when printed.

Colour mode

Set colour artwork and images to CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow and black), not RGB. Supply black-and-white artwork in grayscale. The artwork guide notes that heavy black ink can smear; for rich black, it recommends adding 40% cyan.

Bleed and crop marks

Add 3 mm bleed on every edge where colour, images or design continue to the trim edge. Include crop marks to show the final trim size. Bleed is the extra artwork that is trimmed off after printing.

Scale, layout and fonts

• Prepare artwork at 100% scale.
• Set up the artwork one-up on a single page.
• Embed fonts in the PDF. If a font cannot be embedded, convert the text to outlines or paths.

Will I receive a proof?

We usually send a proof for approval before printing. If your artwork is fully print-ready and includes the correct bleed and trim marks, we may proceed directly to print. If you need to approve a proof before we print, tell us when you place your order.

Artwork checklist

• Press-ready PDF file
• Images at least 300 dpi at final size
• CMYK colour or grayscale for black-and-white artwork
• 3 mm bleed and crop marks
• 100% scale and one-up page layout
• Fonts embedded or converted to outlines/paths

Download the artwork supply PDF checklist

Have a question about a file or job? Contact Designline before ordering.