How to send a print-ready file

Bleed, resolution, CMYK, outlined fonts. Get it right and your job prints the same day it is approved.

By Kris Maestas · Sep 24, 2026 · Files & prep

A print-ready file goes straight to the printer. Anything else needs fixing first, which adds time.

The checklist

• PDF at full size
• 1/8" bleed on every edge
• Images at 300 dpi at final size
• CMYK color
• Fonts outlined or embedded

Bleed

Bleed is extra image past the trim line. Cutting is never perfectly exact, so color that runs to the edge needs to run past it. Keep text and logos at least 1/8" inside the trim.

Not sure? Send what you have and we will check it.

Resolution and color

An image pulled from a website is usually 72 dpi and prints soft. Screens show RGB color; presses print CMYK, so bright screen colors can shift. We flag both before printing.