Print Ready Files
Print-Ready is a term used to describe a file that has all the specifications necessary to produce high-resolution printed output, without requiring any additional alteration or intervention. In other words, a commercial printer can use the file “as submitted” to successfully create the desired printmaterials.
What Is Bleed & How Do I Apply It?
What is Bleed?
Ink that prints beyond the trim edge of the page to ensure it extends to the edge of the page after trimming. As there is a degree of movement when printing on any press, you should always create 3mm bleed on all edges where bleed is needed. Supplying your job without bleed may result in white lines when we trim it.
How to apply Bleed
The concept of applying bleed is the same for all desktop publishing programmes. You need to extend the object box, whether picture or colour, out past the edge of your page. Then, when creating the PDF, you need to set your bleed margins to 3mm.
With Microsoft Word, PowerPoint or Adobe Photoshop you do not have the ability to add bleed when creating a PDF. You need to make your page/image size 6mm bigger at the start. You will then treat the extra 6mm (3mm all round) as bleed, which will be removed when we trim your job. For example, A4 is 210mm x 297mm. Your page with bleed will be 216mm x 303mm.
Requirements For A Print Ready File
• All files must be CMYK for litho printing. RGB files can be used for digital print only
• Your document must match the size you have asked for your job to printed at
• If your job requires spot colours you must properly define them
• All artwork supplied to us for print must have at least 3mm bleed on all trimmed edges (scroll down to find out how to apply bleed)
• Images need to have a resolution of at least 300 dpi. If artwork is generated at a lower resolution, then the quality of the final printed job will be affected
• The files we accept are: JPG, PNG, PDF, TIFF, Photoshop and Illustrator
• You must check all spelling and grammar
Please contact us if you are unsure about the compatibility of your own files as we still may be able to print your files. You can also get in touch with us with any other questions you may have or if you need any help.
