Creating 'print ready' artwork

To ensure that your artwork is ‘print ready’ and avoid any extra charges for your artwork, please ensure your artwork meets the following requirements before sending or uploading your files.

File Format – we can only accept artwork as ‘print ready’ if it is in PDF format. The majority of graphic programs will allow you to save your artwork in this format.

Resolution – Files including any images must be supplied at a minimum of 300 dpi (dots per inch) to print clearly. Remember you can downscale images, but never ever upscale images to the resolution you require as the images may appear fuzzy or pixellated. Most of the images found on the web are 72 dpi and are generally unsuitable for professional printing.

Colours – Files must be created in CMYK for colours to print accurately.

Production printing presses use different technologies than home/office printers and computer monitors. These should not be used to proof colours as they will not accurately represent what will be printed.

A screen displays at 72dpi in RGB, most VDU screens are not calibrated and the representation will vary according to the manufacturer of the screen and it’s settings.

Print colours may also vary according to the material used in printing - ie: there will be a difference between the colours on gloss material, silk material and uncoated materials.

BLEED - Bleed is used to extend an image, colour or line right to the edge of the finished printed piece. For example, if you want your background to be entirely blue, you must bleed the blue colour past the edge of the final size of print. This prevents a white line down one or more edges of your print, caused by very slight variations in printing and guillotining.
You must include at least 3mm bleed on each side of your artwork, and also include crop marks wherever possible.

Products that can require bleed include Brochures & Folders, Leaflets & Flyers and Large format Printing.

Do not use Microsoft for print ready artwork

When designing artwork to be commercially printed, do not use software such as Microsoft - Publisher, PowerPoint or Word

While Microsoft software is capable of creating layouts for leaflets, newsletters and similar items that will print on your desktop printer, it is not a professional design program. It is also not designed for creating documents to be used in commercial printing.

It is possible to design your own artwork, but you need to be using professional design software like Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw or similar.

You also need to take into account the format that the printer will require and also other design requirements like document bleed. Most printers will require at least a 3mm bleed to all sides.