How to Prepare Print-Ready Files Without the Headache.
How to Prepare Print-Ready Files Without the Headache.
Stress-Free Print Starts Here.
At AAA Print Group, we know preparing artwork for printing can feel confusing — especially when you’re managing lots of tasks at once. That’s why we’ve created this easy-to-follow guide, cutting through all the complicated print terms, to help you confidently send your files off to print, knowing they’ll come out just right.
Whether you’re printing flyers, business cards, safety tags, or custom workwear, getting the file right from the start saves time, money, and a whole lot of back-and-forth. Here’s what you need to know.
Bleed: Give Your Design Room to Breathe.
Bleed is the extra edge around your design that allows for minor cutting variations when the finished product is trimmed. It’s essential for designs that reach the edge of the paper.
Quick Tips:
- Add at least 3mm of bleed on all sides of your artwork.
- Extend any background colours, patterns, or images into the bleed area so there’s no accidental white border after trimming.
- Keep important elements like logos, text, and contact details at least 5mm inside the finished size (the ‘safe zone’) to avoid them getting too close to the edge.
Common Mistake:
Forgetting to add bleed — which can lead to white lines appearing on the edges after trimming.
Fonts: Keep Them Under Control.
Fonts are a small detail that can cause big headaches if not handled correctly. If the printer doesn’t have the exact font you used, your document might display incorrectly — leading to delays or unexpected results.
Quick Tips:
- Always embed your fonts when saving your final file (especially for PDFs). This ensures the text prints exactly how you designed it.
- Programs like Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Canva usually have an option to embed fonts during export — double-check this box is ticked.
- Keep your design simple: using two or three fonts at most creates a cleaner, more professional finish and helps avoid technical issues.
Common Mistake:
Relying on “fancy” fonts that aren’t standard can cause issues. If you’re unsure, use commonly supported fonts or check with us first.
File Formats: Save It the Right Way.
Choosing the correct file format ensures your design keeps its quality and layout when sent to the printer.
Quick Tips:
- PDF is the safest and most commonly preferred format for print. It preserves fonts, images, and layout exactly as intended.
For logos and artwork, vector files (.AI, .EPS, or high-resolution PDF) are best. They can be scaled up or down without losing clarity. - Avoid sending Word documents, PowerPoints, or images embedded in emails — these often cause formatting problems.
Common Mistake:
Sending a low-res JPEG or a screenshot instead of a properly exported print file — leading to fuzzy prints and wasted time.
Image Resolution: Sharp and Clear Every Time.
Low-quality images are one of the most common reasons a print project doesn’t look professional. Web images are usually low resolution, meaning they appear blurry when printed.
Quick Tips:
- Always use images that are at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) for printed materials.
- Avoid copying images from websites — they’re generally only 72 DPI and designed for screens, not for print.
- Use original high-resolution photography where possible, or choose professional stock images.
Common Mistake:
Resizing a small, low-quality image to make it bigger — it just makes the blur worse. Always start with a large, high-quality image.
Proofing: Always Double-Check Before Sending.
Before hitting “send”, take a few extra moments to review your file. It might seem tedious, but catching small issues early can save major headaches later.
Quick Checklist:
- Spelling and grammar checked
- Fonts embedded or outlined
- Correct bleed and safe margins added
- Images are high resolution
- File saved as a PDF (or correct format)
- Colours set to CMYK for print (if applicable)
Pro Tip:
Print a quick draft on your office printer. It’s easier to spot layout problems on paper than on a screen.
Final Thoughts: We’re Here to Make It Easy.
At AAA Print Group, we believe printing shouldn’t be complicated. If you’re ever unsure about your file setup, just ask — we’re happy to double-check your artwork and give helpful advice before anything goes to print.
Remember: a few small steps at the beginning can make a big difference in the final result!
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