Size, File & Color Guide

Your Complete Guide to Print-Ready Artwork

Great printing starts with properly prepared artwork. Whatever you're printing, this guide will help you prepare your files for professional printing.

3.5″(89 mm)2″(51 mm)
Landscape3.5x2 inch(89x51 mm)
8.5″(216 mm)11″(279 mm)
Portrait8.5x11 inch(216x279 mm)
33″(838 mm)78″(1981 mm)
Tall Format33x78 inch(838x1981 mm)
10″(254 mm)8″(203 mm)
Print Area10x8 inch(254x203 mm)
4″(102 mm)4″(102 mm)
Round4x4 inch(102x102 mm)
6″(152 mm)3″(76 mm)4″(102 mm)
3D Format6x4x3 inch(152x102x76 mm)

Use correct unitsInches (in), millimetres (mm) or centimetres (cm).

Create at actual sizePrepare artwork at the final print size (1:1 scale).

Scaled artwork for large productsScaled files may be accepted for large-format products when clearly indicated.

Provide exact dimensionsFor custom-shaped or 3D products, provide the required width, height, and shape.

Choose the Right Print Size

Always create your artwork at the exact dimensions of your final printed product.

  • Use inches (in) or millimetres (mm) for accurate sizing.
  • Set artwork to 100% of the intended print size whenever possible.
  • Avoid enlarging small designs, as this can reduce print quality.
  • For custom shapes, provide the exact width and height.

Tip: Confirm your final dimensions before submitting artwork to avoid unnecessary resizing.

YOUR DESIGNHERE3.75″(95 mm)2.25″(57 mm)3.5″(89 mm)2″(51 mm)

Artwork with bleed3.75x2.25 inch (95x57 mm)

Final trim size3.5x2 inch (89x51 mm)

Safe area3.25x1.75 inch (83x44 mm)

Bleed Area0.125″ (3.175 mm) extra artwork on each side.

Trim LineFinal cut size of your product.

Safe AreaKeep important text, logos and graphics at least 0.125″ (3.175 mm) inside the trim line.

Add Bleed for Edge-to-Edge Printing

Bleed is the extra artwork extending beyond the final cutting line. It prevents unwanted white edges after trimming.

  • Standard bleed: 0.125" (3.175 mm) on each side.
  • Extend backgrounds, colours, and images into the bleed area.
  • Keep important text and logos inside the safe zone.
  • Some large-format and specialty products require different bleed allowances.

Example: A 3.5x2 inch finished size with standard bleed should have an artwork size of 3.75x2.25 inch.

Portrait
  • Bleed Size8.75x11.25 inch(222x286 mm)

  • Trim Size8.5x11 inch(216x279 mm)

  • Safe Area8.25x10.75 inch(210x273 mm)

Tall Format
  • Bleed Size33.25x78.25 inch(845x1988 mm)

  • Trim Size33x78 inch(838x1981 mm)

  • Safe Area32.75x77.75 inch(832x1975 mm)

Round
  • Bleed Size4.25x4.25 inch(108x108 mm)

  • Trim Size4x4 inch(102x102 mm)

  • Safe Area3.75x3.75 inch(95x95 mm)

Bleed LineExtend background and images to this line.

Trim LineFinished size after cutting.

Safe AreaKeep main content inside this line.

Maintain a Safe Margin

Keep essential design elements away from the cutting edges.

  • Recommended minimum safe margin: 0.125" (3.175 mm).
  • Keep logos, text, QR codes, and contact details within the safe area.
  • Allow additional margins for folded, stitched, or bound products.
  • Avoid placing thin borders too close to trimming lines.

Tip: A generous safe margin gives your finished product a cleaner, more professional appearance.

PDF

Preferred for print-ready artwork.

AI

Editable vector designs.

EPS

Vector logos and illustrations.

SVG

Vector graphics (scalable).

TIFF

High-quality raster images for sharp prints.

PNG

Images with transparent backgrounds.

JPG

High-resolution photographic artwork.

Recommended

  • Use high-resolution, print-ready files.
  • Ensure fonts are embedded or outlined.
  • Submit in the correct format for best results.

Avoid

  • Low-resolution images (blurry or pixelated).
  • Screen captures or photos of your design.
  • Files from web or social media (low quality).
  • Unsupported or unusual file formats.

Submit the Correct File Format

Choosing the right file format helps preserve your artwork's quality and accuracy.

File formatRecommended use
PDFPreferred for most print-ready artwork
AIEditable vector designs
EPSVector logos and illustrations
SVGVector graphics, subject to compatibility
TIFFHigh-quality raster images
PNGImages with transparent backgrounds
JPG/JPEGHigh-resolution photographic artwork

Important: PDF/X-4 is a strong choice for many professional printing workflows. Editable source files may be requested for custom cutting or specialized production.

300 PPIBest for most print products(small, detailed prints viewed up close)
150 PPISuitable for medium to large format prints(large prints viewed from a distance)
72 PPILow resolutionAppears blurry and pixelated (Not recommended for printing)

300 PPISmall, detailed prints viewed up close

150–300 PPIMedium and large prints with fine details

72–150 PPILarge Format Graphics viewed from a distance

Use high-quality original imagesAvoid screenshots and compressed files.

Check at 100% sizeView your image at actual print size to check sharpness.

Use vector graphicsfor logos, text and illustrations for the best results.

Consider viewing distanceLarger prints viewed from farther away can use lower resolution.

Use High-Resolution Images

Image resolution directly affects the sharpness and clarity of your printed materials.

  • 300 DPI/PPI: Recommended for most small-format printed products at final size.
  • 150–300 PPI: Often suitable for medium-format graphics, depending on viewing distance.
  • 72–150 PPI: May be acceptable for very large graphics viewed from a distance.
  • Use vector artwork for logos, lettering, and illustrations whenever possible.

Tip: Increasing an image's resolution setting does not restore detail missing from a low-quality original.

CMYKCyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black

Standard color mode used for most printing products.

RGBRed, Green, Blue

Used for digital screens (websites, social media, monitors).

PANTONE (PMS)Spot Colors

Used when a specific, consistent color match is required.

Special ColorsMetallic, Fluorescent, White Ink etc.

Used for unique finishes and special materials.

RGB on Screen
CMYK Printed Result

Screen vs PrintColors on your screen (RGB) may look brighter and more vibrant than the final printed result (CMYK) due to differences in displays, inks and materials.

RGB(on screen)CMYK(printed)

Design in the Right Color ModeUse CMYK for printing and RGB for digital. Convert colors if needed.

Expect Slight Color VariationsPrinted colors may vary slightly due to materials, inks and finishes.

Use Color ReferencesFor critical color matching, provide Pantone (PMS) values or request a print proof.

Special EffectsMetallic, fluorescent and white ink require specific setups and may not match standard CMYK colors.

Understand CMYK, RGB & Special Colours

Different colour systems serve different purposes.

  • CCyan
  • MMagenta
  • YYellow
  • KBlack
  • CMYK: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. Commonly used in commercial printing.
  • RGB: Red, Green, and Blue. Primarily used for digital screens.
  • Pantone/PMS: Standardized spot colours used when specific colour matching is required.
  • White ink: May be needed for printing on transparent, metallic, or dark materials.

Important: Screen colours may differ from printed colours. Colour-critical projects should use an approved physical proof or sample.

Use Properly Prepared Fonts

Embed fonts or convert text to outlines to avoid missing or substituted fonts.

YOUR DESIGNHERE

Keep Important Text Safe

Maintain safe margins so text and graphics are not cut off.

YOUR DESIGNHEREBleed Area(extends beyond trim)Safe Area(keep text andimportant elementsinside)Trim Size(final size)

Avoid Common Issues

Do not use very thin fonts, tiny text or low-quality graphics.

Low-resolution graphics
Too thin fonts
Overly complex elements
Text too small to read

Use Readable FontsChoose clear, standard fonts and keep an appropriate size.

Outline or Embed FontsConvert text to outlines or embed fonts to prevent font changes.

Use High-Quality GraphicsInclude vector graphics for logos and illustrations. Use high-resolution images for best results.

Keep Text Inside the Safe AreaEnsure important text and graphics are within the safe area and away from the edges.

Prepare Fonts, Text & Fine Details

Correct typography preparation helps prevent missing fonts, unexpected substitutions, and unreadable text.

  • Embed fonts in print-ready PDFs.
  • Convert text to outlines when required for editable vector files.
  • Use readable font sizes appropriate for the product.
  • Avoid extremely thin lines and tiny lettering.
  • Use rich black for large black backgrounds when appropriate, and standard 100% K black for small black text, subject to the printing process.

Tip: Always proofread spelling, phone numbers, website addresses, and other details before submitting.

Cutting & Bleed

Add bleed around the design to avoid white edges after cutting.

YOUR DESIGNHEREBleed(usually 3 mmor 0.125 in)Trim Size(final size)

Folding Guidelines

Provide clear fold lines and correct panel arrangement.

YOUR DESIGNHEREFold LineFold Line

Finishing Options

Let us know your preferred finishing to get the desired look and feel.

Gloss FinishVibrant and shiny look
Matte FinishSmooth and non-glare
Rounded CornersModern and elegant
LaminationExtra protection and durability

Common Issues to Avoid

No BleedWhite edges after cutting
Incorrect FoldingPanels not aligned properly
Important Elements Too CloseMay get trimmed
Wrong Finish RequestMay not match expectations

Add BleedUsually 3 mm or 0.125 in on all sides.

Mark Fold LinesIndicate fold positions for multi-panel products.

Specify FinishingMention gloss, matte, lamination, or special finishes if required.

Keep Important Elements SafeMaintain safe margins away from cut and fold lines.

Prepare Cut Lines, Folds & Special Finishes

Specialty products require additional production instructions.

  • Die-cut shapes: Provide a separate vector cutting path.
  • Folded layouts: Clearly identify fold positions and panel dimensions.
  • Dielines: Include approved dielines with cut, crease, and glue areas.
  • Spot UV: Supply a separate mask showing where the coating should be applied.
  • Foil stamping: Identify foil areas using a dedicated vector layer or separation.
  • White ink: Mark white-ink areas separately when required.

Important: Keep technical production guides separate from the printed artwork and clearly label all layers.

Common Orientations

Choose the correct orientation based on your design and product.

Landscape(Horizontal)
Portrait(Vertical)
Square(1:1)
Custom Size(Any width and height)

Proper Layout & Margins

Keep important text and graphics within the safe area and maintain proper margins.

YOUR DESIGNHEREBleed Area(extends beyond trim)Safe Area(keep text andimportant elementsinside)Trim Size(final size)

Print Placement Examples

Position your design correctly based on the product to get the best results.

Centered(Single surface)
Across Panels(Folded layouts)
Front Placement(Centered on front)
All Around(Continuous design)

Common Issues to Avoid

Incorrect layout or placement can result in cut-off text, upside-down printing or misaligned designs.

Important Text Too Close to the EdgeMay get trimmed during cutting.
Wrong OrientationDesign may print upside down.
Misaligned PanelsEnsure correct panel order in multi-panel products.
Important Elements Outside Safe AreaMay be cut off in final print.

Match Product SizeSet your document to the exact size with proper bleed and safe area for the product.

Keep Key Elements InsideLogos, text and important graphics should be within the safe area.

Check OrientationConfirm the correct orientation before submitting your file.

Review Final LayoutDouble-check placement, margins and panel arrangement to avoid printing issues.

Check Artwork Orientation & Product Specifications

Before submitting your design, confirm that the artwork matches the product you've ordered.

  • Select portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Verify single-sided or double-sided printing.
  • Ensure front and back artwork are correctly identified.
  • Confirm material, thickness, finish, and quantity.
  • Check that all pages are in the correct order.
  • For large-format pieces, account for grommets, hems, pole pockets, mounting holes, and installation areas.

Tip: Different products have different production requirements. Always confirm specialty specifications before finalizing artwork.

Paper & CardstockCoated, uncoated and textured paper stocks.

  • Matte
  • Gloss
  • Uncoated
  • Textured

Vinyl & AdhesiveSelf-adhesive films for smooth, clean surfaces.

  • White Vinyl
  • Clear Vinyl
  • Perforated Vinyl
  • Holographic Vinyl

Fabric & TextileCotton, polyester and blended fabrics.

  • Cotton
  • Polyester
  • Blends
  • Canvas

Rigid & Specialty SurfacesCanvas, coroplast, acrylic, metal, wood and other hard surfaces.

  • Coroplast
  • Acrylic
  • Metal
  • Wood

Suitable Artwork for Each Material

Use high-resolution files and design according to the material's properties.

PaperHigh detail and vibrant colors
VinylBold colors and solid shapes
FabricClean, vector-style designs work best
Canvas / RigidHigh-resolution images with proper color mode

Common Issues to Avoid

Artwork not suitable for the material can lead to poor results.

Low ResolutionAppears blurry on large prints
Thin ElementsSmall text or thin lines may not print clearly on some materials
Transparency EffectsMay not work on certain materials (e.g. vinyl, fabric)
Unsupported EffectsMetallic, neon or special effects may require specific materials or processes

Choose the Right MaterialDesign your artwork keeping the material's texture and finish in mind.

Use Compatible File TypesPrefer vector files for logos and graphics, and high-resolution images for photos.

Check Color ModeCMYK for most materials. Some specialty materials may have color variations.

Keep Important Elements SafeEnsure text, logos and key graphics are within the safe area and away from edges or cut lines.

Material & Surface Compatibility

Ensure your artwork is suitable for the material and surface you are printing on.