Get Your Artwork Print Ready
Getting your artwork right is the key to a clean, professional finish. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, so you can upload with confidence and get the best possible result the first time.
From file setup and sizing to colour, bleed, and resolution, we break down the essentials in plain English – no design jargon required. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or preparing artwork for the first time, these tips will help ensure your print comes out sharp, accurate, and exactly as intended.
Top Tips for Perfect Print-Ready Artwork
Before you upload your file, run through this quick checklist:
- Convert all text to outlines
- Add 5mm bleed on all sides
- Set your file to CMYK colour mode
- Use a press-ready PDF format
- Extend backgrounds past trim lines
- Keep important content inside the safe area
Pro tip:
Screens (RGB) look brighter than print, so always trust CMYK for accurate colour.
Send your artwork through and we’ll check it before printing to make sure everything is set up correctly.
What Is Bleed?
Bleed is the extra artwork that extends past the final trim edge.
Adding at least 5mm bleed ensures:
- No unwanted white edges
- Clean, edge-to-edge printing
- A professional finish
When setting up your file, make sure background colours, images and patterns extend beyond the trim line.
Bleed = small detail, big difference.
You may end up with thin white edges after trimming. Adding bleed ensures a clean, edge-to-edge finish.
What Is the Safe Area?
The safe area is the space inside the trim line where all important content should sit.
This includes:
- Logos
- Text
- Key details
Keeping these elements inside the safe area prevents anything from being trimmed off during production.
Think of it as your design’s “safe zone”.
It’s best to keep all important text and logos inside the safe area to avoid anything being trimmed off.
Explaining RGB vs CMYK vs Pantone
Colour modes can be confusing, so here is the quick version:
CMYK: Used for printing. Always set your artwork to CMYK before sending.
RGB: Used for screens. It looks brighter, but does not print accurately.
Pantone: Used for precise colour matching, especially for brand colours.
In short:
- Screens = RGB
- Printing = CMYK
- Exact brand colours = Pantone
Set your artwork to CMYK and you’ll be off to a strong start.
Screens use RGB, which appears brighter. Printing uses CMYK, so colours can look slightly different when printed.
Why Convert Text to Outlines?
If fonts aren’t embedded or outlined, they can change when opened on another system and that can completely alter your design.
To avoid this:
- Convert all text to outlines before exporting
- This locks in your design exactly as intended
How to do it (Illustrator / InDesign):
Select your text → Type → Create Outlines → Save your file
Done.
Fonts can change when opened on another system, which may affect your final design.
Downloadable Templates (Free & Easy)
Most of our product pages include downloadable templates to help you set up your artwork correctly, so there is no guesswork.
Each template:
- Is provided as a PDF
- Works with your preferred design software
- Includes trim lines, bleed and safe area guides
Simply use the template, add your design and you are ready to go.
Easy as.
Not always, but we highly recommend it. Templates make sure your artwork is set up correctly and help avoid common print issues.
Ordering on behalf of a client? Use our unbranded templates.
Choose a shape, download the template, and start designing.
