PDF File Preparation

PDF Printing: Supplying Print-Ready Files

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How to prepare a print-ready PDF so your finished print matches exactly what you intended.

Supplying a print-ready PDF is the safest way to make sure a finished printed product matches what was intended — the format stays as designed and common printing issues are avoided before they happen. Our dedicated pre-press team can guide you through preparing files, generally using industry-standard software such as Adobe Illustrator or InDesign, though exceptions can sometimes be made for document printing.

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What makes a PDF print-ready

Supplied as four-colour process CMYK, not RGB (we can convert RGB files, though colours may look slightly washed out)
Page size set to the finished trim size
Fonts embedded or converted to outlines
Scans at 300dpi at 100% of the final image size
Images embedded in the file
3mm bleed included
Trim, score or fold marks indicated outside the print area
A minimum 5mm safe margin from the page edge
Black text set to 100% black, not a CMYK mix
White text not set to overprint
Multi-page PDFs running front cover to back cover, including blank pages where needed

Who this is for

Anyone supplying their own artwork for print who wants to avoid delays, colour shifts or reprints caused by incorrectly prepared files.

Why it matters

A properly prepared PDF gives a hassle-free transition from design through to production. Files that do not meet print-ready standards risk delays, colour issues or having to be corrected before printing can proceed.

FAQs

What does print-ready mean?

A file supplied in CMYK, at the correct trim size, with fonts embedded, images at 300dpi and 3mm bleed included.

What if my file isn’t fully print-ready?

Our pre-press team can often make adjustments, such as converting RGB to CMYK, though this may slightly affect colour vibrancy.

What software do you recommend for print-ready files?

Industry-standard software such as Adobe Illustrator or InDesign, though we can make exceptions for some document printing.

Chris Smeeton

Smiths are experts in design and print. They have created numerous catalogues, leaflets, promotional products for us. We have often been up against tight deadlines and they have always delivered on time, with a superb product. Lovely people, thoroughly professional and competitively priced . 100% recommend!

Rachel Briggs

Smiths 1972 were so helpful at getting some prints made for me recently, from start to finish professional, efficient and personable. Would 100% recommend!

Sam

Great business that we’ve been using for pushing on 2 decades! Friendly staff and always so helpful. Couldn’t recommend enough.

Jane Reid

I have used Smiths for a number of years in a work capacity. They are fast, efficient and the staff are always a pleasure to deal with.

Ian Norman

Toppers Print & Design in Old Stevenage is fantastic! Their design team Craig especially created stunning, brand-perfect leaflets with incredible attention to detail. They print quality signs business cards, brochures, and posters—is top-quality. Best of all, their prices are very reasonable without compromising quality. The service is fast, friendly, and professional, making the whole process a breeze. With 45 years of experience, Toppers is a gem for anyone needing design or printing in Stevenage. Highly recommend! Would highly recommend Ian

Gill Shenoy

Excellent and prompt service. Photos of good quality. Very helpful

Venues Possible

A fantastic professional and inclusive services. Venues Possible would highly recommend :-)