We want your data to print perfectly — every time.

We highly recommend you make use of our design services to be absolutely sure your job prints perfectly, but should you choose to go it alone we have put together this simple guide to help you avoid the pitfalls of designing for print, and ensure your design rolls off the press just as you intended - perfectly, every time.

preparing data for print

For help or advice with any of the following please see our tutorials section.

Submitting data in PDF format (easiest)

PDFs are our preferred file format for most products. Most applications support output to PDF, but be careful with software like Canva, or Pages, where the setup for high-resolution print requires some additional planning. See a tutorial on exporting PDFs just how we like and download our handy preset file.

Single page items

Flyers, business cards etc.

  • Set up your artboards to the exact trim size and add 3mm of bleed. See a tutorial on how to set up your file.
  • Work in CMYK color mode and convert any spot colors in your layout document.
  • Make sure any background elements extend to the edges of the bleed box.
  • Export the PDF using our handy Job Options preset (for Adobe software) or select PDFx/1a when exporting and ensure the bleed is included. We do not need any trim or other marks - just a PDF that is the exact bleed size.

Multi-page items

Magazines, brochures etc.

  • Follow the guidelines for single page items, but export your multi-page document to a single PDF file set to single pages (not spreads) and a 3mm bleed, just like our tutorial.
  • For glue-bound brochures, we need the inside pages supplied separately to the covers. Export the four cover pages (outer covers and inner covers) as spreads, and include the spine width.

Special product data requirements

Certain products and special finishes require the artwork to be sent as native .ai Adobe Illustrator files.

Products with cut paths

For custom shape stickers and die-cuts

  • Create a new layer for the cut path or die-cut, above from the artwork
  • For sticker paths, define the cut line using a 1pt stroke in 100% magenta
  • For die-cuts, define the cut path in 100% black, the score lines in 100% cyan, and any perforation lines in 100% magenta
  • Outline all fonts and embed any images
  • Make sure you have defined a 3mm bleed
  • For sticker paths, make sure there as at least a 2mm safety margin

Products with special surface finishes and inks

Foiling, embossing, spot UV, spot colors

  • Create a new layer for the special finish above the artwork
  • Define the area using 100% black
  • For spot color envelope artwork, please use our templates with the color choices predefined