Artwork Guidelines: How to Send a Print-Ready File
Artwork Guidelines: How to Send a Print-Ready File
Set up your file the right way the first time and your order moves straight to press. Here is exactly what we look for in bleed, safe zone, resolution, color and file type, plus what to do if you don't have a design yet.
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- Printed in-house in Highland, Indiana
- Design help available
- Free shipping on orders of $49 or more
Quick answer: Send a PDF at full size with a 1/8" bleed on every edge, keep text and logos at least 1/8" inside the trim line, use images at 350 dpi, set colors to CMYK and embed (or outline) your fonts. Every order gets a free online proof, so you can check the layout before anything prints.
The Four Numbers That Matter Most
Most file problems come down to one of these four settings.
Bleed
Extend any background, photo or color that touches the edge 1/8" past the trim line so no white edge shows after cutting.
Safe zone
Keep names, text and logos at least 1/8" inside the trim line so nothing important gets trimmed off.
Resolution
Photos and images should be 350 dpi at the size they will print. Rasterized text or line art should be 1200 dpi.
Color mode
Set colors to CMYK for full-color printing. RGB files are converted, which can shift bright colors.
Quick Checklist Before You Upload
- Artwork matches the product size you ordered
- Backgrounds extend into the 1/8" bleed
- Text and logos sit 1/8" inside the trim
- Images are 350 dpi at full size
- Colors are in CMYK mode
- Fonts are embedded or converted to outlines
- Type is crisp and easy to read
- File is saved as a print-quality PDF
Color Tips
Your screen is not a perfect preview of printed color. Monitor brightness, calibration and lighting all change how a file looks, so printed colors can vary slightly from what you see.
Many Pantone (PMS) colors shift when they are converted to four-color process printing. For one-, two- or three-color jobs printed in spot color, make sure your colors are set as spot colors and separate correctly.
If an exact color is critical, such as a church or company logo, ask us for a printed hard-copy proof.
Best File Types by Program
A print-quality PDF is our preferred file for every product.
| Program | How to export |
|---|---|
| Adobe InDesign or Illustrator | Export a PDF (Press Quality) at full size, include the 1/8" bleed, and embed fonts or convert them to outlines. |
| Adobe Photoshop | Build the file at 350 dpi at 100% of the final size, including bleed, then save as a PDF. |
| Canva | Turn on "Show print bleed," then download as PDF Print with "Crop marks and bleed" checked. |
| Word, Publisher or other programs | Save or print to PDF at the exact product size. If you're not sure your file is ready, send it anyway and we'll check it on your proof. |
Don't Have a File? Three Easy Options
Pick whatever is easiest for you. Every option comes with a free proof.
Use a ready-made design
Choose one of our templates on the product page, then add your church or business name, logo and details right in your browser.
Upload your own artwork
Already designed it in Canva or another program? Upload your PDF on the product page using the specs above.
Let us design it
Ask for design help when you order and our in-house team will build the layout for you. Not sure what to say? Call 219.595.0902 and we'll help with wording too.
About Your Proof
Before anything prints, you get a free online PDF proof. It shows your layout, text and design so you can catch typos and spacing issues. Because screens vary, a digital proof can't guarantee exact color. If color accuracy is important, ask for a hard-copy proof.
More Helpful Guides
- Image Resolution Guide: make sure your photos will print sharp
- Paper Stock Guide: choose the right paper or cardstock
- Church Printing: badges, connect cards, invites and more
Artwork FAQs
What file format do you prefer?
A print-quality PDF at the exact product size with a 1/8" bleed. PDFs keep your fonts, images and layout locked in place.
What is bleed and why do I need it?
Bleed is extra artwork that extends 1/8" past the edge of your design. Printed sheets are trimmed to size, and bleed makes sure backgrounds and photos run all the way to the edge with no thin white border.
What resolution should my images be?
350 dpi at the size they will print. Images pulled from websites or social media are usually 72 dpi and will look blurry in print.
Will my printed colors match my screen?
They will be close, but every screen displays color differently. Use CMYK color and ask for a hard-copy proof if an exact color match is critical.
What if my file isn't set up correctly?
Send it anyway. We review every file and you'll see a free proof before anything prints. If something needs to change, we'll let you know or help fix it.
Questions About Your File?
Real people, right here in Highland, Indiana. Call 219.595.0902 or email info@flyoverprint.com and we'll help you get it print-ready.
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