Guides / Print-ready PDF files

Print-ready PDF files.

We've prepared layout samples and PDF export instructions for you to refer to while creating your art files.

Layout samples

Print-ready layout samples.

Note the page layout, the bleed and bleed marks, and the page numbering.

Perfect Binding

Hardcover Book

Saddle Stitching

Wire Binding

Press quality

A press quality file includes.

When you plan to work with a printing services company, it is important to provide a print-ready file. That way you avoid issues with the artwork, potential errors, or a result other than what is expected.

Crop marks

Crop marks show the trim area so production can cut the pages correctly.

Fonts embedded or outlined

Fonts should be embedded or outlined so the type does not change when the file is opened.

Colors

Use Spot or CMYK color, depending on the print method.

Correct sizing

The PDF should match the required finished size and layout specifications.

Photo resolution at 300 dpi

Images should be prepared at 300 dpi for press-quality output.

Bleeds

Add 3mm(1/8 inch) beyond the borders so trimming does not leave unwanted white edges.

It is best to provide your printing partner a press quality PDF.

When you plan to work with a printing services company, it is important to provide a print-ready file.

A PDF is the preferred format because the factors of your file, including important settings, can be kept while the printer has flexibility in modification.

Many programs provide several methods to make a PDF file.

You can make a PDF by printing to a PDF driver, saving a file as a PDF, or exporting the file as a PDF.

How to convert

How to convert a file to PDF document.

InDesign

1. Choose File > Export.

2. Specify a name and location for the file.

3. For "Save As Type" (Windows) or "Format" (Mac OS), choose "Adobe PDF", and then click Save.

4. Choose Adobe PDF Preset "Press Quality".

5. Under "Marks and Bleeds" select crop marks and bleed (3mm or .125").

6. Click Export (Windows) or Save (Mac OS).

Illustrator

1. Choose File > Export.

2. Specify a name and location for the file.

3. For "Save As Type" (Windows) or "Format" (Mac OS), choose "Adobe PDF", and then click Save.

4. Choose Adobe PDF Preset "Press Quality".

5. Under "Marks and Bleeds" select crop marks and bleed (3mm or .125").

6. Click Export (Windows) or Save (Mac OS).

Photoshop

1. Choose File > Save As, and then choose Photoshop PDF from the Format menu.

2. Click Save. In the Save Adobe PDF dialog box, choose an Adobe PDF preset specifying whether the Photoshop file will be printed on a desktop printer or proofer, sent to a commercial printer, distributed by email, displayed on the web, and so on.

3. Choose Adobe PDF Preset "Press Quality".

4. Click Export (Windows) or Save (Mac OS).