Artwork guide
General guidance for supplying artwork. Requirements vary by product and production method, so we'll always confirm specifics — including templates — before anything is printed.
File formats
- Print-ready PDF is the preferred format for most products.
- AI, EPS and INDD packages are usually fine if fonts and links are included.
- JPG and PNG can work for simple items if the resolution is high enough.
- Office files (Word, PowerPoint, Publisher) often need rebuilding — send them and we'll advise.
Bleed and safe area
- Extend any background colour or image past the trim edge so nothing prints with a white sliver.
- Keep text and logos away from the trim edge so cutting tolerance doesn't clip them.
- Folded, die cut and packaging items have their own templates — ask us before you start.
Resolution
- Aim for high resolution images at final printed size, not screen size.
- Large format items such as banners and posters can be supplied at a lower resolution because they're viewed from further away.
- Images pulled from a website or social media are rarely suitable for print.
Colour
- Supply artwork in CMYK for print. RGB files will be converted and can shift in appearance.
- Printed colour will never match a backlit screen exactly.
- If you have brand colour references, send them so we can work as closely as possible.
Fonts
- Outline or embed all fonts before sending artwork.
- If you can't, supply the font files with the artwork.
- Very small or very light text may not reproduce well on uncoated or textured stocks.
Finishing and special areas
- Foil, spot varnish and embossing need separate layers marked as 100% of a spot colour.
- Cut lines, crease lines and perforations should be supplied on their own layer.
- White ink on clear or coloured materials needs its own layer too.
Common problems we spot
- Missing bleed on full-colour backgrounds.
- Low resolution logos taken from a website.
- Text sitting too close to the trim edge or a fold.
- Borders that look uneven once the item is trimmed.
- RGB or spot colours left in a CMYK job.
Not sure whether your file will work? Our design partners can check it, fix it or start again from scratch.
Send us your artwork.
We'll check it and tell you what, if anything, needs changing.