Print File Guidelines: How to Send Print-Ready Artwork

Great print starts with a great file. Follow these guidelines and your job prints exactly as you intend — sharp, correctly sized and true to colour. Not sure your file is ready? Send it over and we'll check it free before we print — every AzePrint order is Absolutely Guaranteed.

Accepted file formats

We accept all the common design formats. A press-ready PDF is best — it locks in your fonts, images and layout. How to prepare the popular formats:

• PDF — recommended. Export with fonts embedded and 3 mm bleed; no crop or printer's marks.
• AI (Illustrator) — convert all fonts to outlines and embed linked graphics.
• INDD (InDesign) — outline fonts or package the file with fonts, and include all linked images.
• PSD (Photoshop) — flatten your layers before sending.
• TIFF — retains the highest image quality; ideal for photo-rich artwork.
• JPG / JPEG — fine for photos at maximum quality and 300 DPI. Avoid images pulled from websites — usually too low-resolution to print well.

Sending several files or fonts? Package them into one folder and compress it as a .zip before uploading.

Resolution: aim for 300 DPI

Images should be 300 DPI at the final printed size. Lower-resolution images look fine on screen but print soft or pixelated. Most website images are 72 DPI and unsuitable for printing — if you're using your own photos, shoot at your camera's highest resolution.

Colour: design in CMYK

Printing uses CMYK inks while screens display in RGB. Set your document to CMYK so the colours you approve are the colours we print. Bright RGB blues and greens shift the most when converted — designing in CMYK from the start avoids surprises. A slight screen-to-print variation is normal; if exact colour is critical, ask us about a printed proof.

Bleed & trim size

If your design has colour, images or graphics running to the very edge, it needs bleed — artwork extended 3 mm (1/8") past the trim on every side — so there are no white slivers after cutting.

Build your file at the final trim size plus bleed. Example: an A4 flyer (210 × 297 mm) should be supplied as 216 × 303 mm with bleed. Save as PDF without crop or printer's marks — they change the file dimensions.

Safe area & borders

Cutting has a small tolerance of about 2 mm (1/16"), so keep all important text, logos and content at least 3 mm inside the trim line. Thin borders close to the edge can look uneven if the cut shifts slightly — centre them well inside the safe area or leave them out.

Fonts

Always convert fonts to outlines or embed them in your PDF. This stops fonts reflowing or substituting on our system and keeps your typography exactly as designed.

How to send your files

Easiest is to upload your artwork during checkout on any product page. For very large files, message us on WhatsApp or email and we'll arrange a transfer. Always include your order number so we can match the file to your job.

Ready to print?

Prep your file, then order online — uploading is built into checkout:

• Business cards
• Custom packaging & boxes
• Flyers & brochures
• Stickers & labels
• Posters & banners

Still have questions? Visit our FAQ or contact our team.

File guidelines FAQ

What file format is best for printing?

A press-ready PDF with fonts embedded, CMYK colour and 3 mm bleed. We also accept AI, INDD, PSD, TIFF and high-resolution JPG.

What resolution should my artwork be?

300 DPI at the final print size. Website images are usually 72 DPI and will print blurry.

What is bleed and how much do I need?

Bleed is artwork extended past the trim so there are no white edges after cutting. Add 3 mm (1/8") on every side.

Why do my colours look different when printed?

Screens use RGB and printing uses CMYK. Design in CMYK to keep colours accurate; ask about a printed proof if exact colour matters.

Can you check or fix my file?

Yes — send it over and our in-house team will check it free before printing, and can fix or rebuild it for you.