A print-ready file is artwork prepared at the finished size, with the extra image area and technical settings needed to print and trim it cleanly. Getting these basics right reduces delays and helps the finished piece match what you approved on screen.
What does print-ready mean?
For most commercial print jobs, the safest file is a high-resolution PDF at the correct finished dimensions. Fonts should be embedded or converted to outlines, images should be included, and any colour or photograph that reaches an edge should continue into the bleed area.
The exact specification can vary by product. A folded brochure, booklet or shaped sign may need a template or production marks, so check the product details or ask us before building a complex file. Our artwork guide is the right starting point if you are unsure.
The print-ready artwork checklist
- Correct finished size: build the document at the size you intend to order.
- 3 mm bleed: extend backgrounds and edge-to-edge images 3 mm beyond every trimmed edge.
- Safe area: keep important text, logos and borders at least 5 mm inside the trim.
- CMYK colour: prepare print artwork in CMYK where possible, rather than screen-based RGB.
- Sharp images: aim for about 300 dpi at the final printed size for ordinary close-viewed print.
- Embedded fonts: embed fonts in the PDF or convert them to outlines.
- Single pages: supply multi-page documents as individual pages in reading order, not printer spreads.
These specifications align with commonly published Irish commercial-print guidance, including Digital Printing Ireland’s artwork checklist.
Bleed, trim and the safe area
Trim size is the final size in your hand. Bleed is artwork printed beyond that line and removed during finishing. The safe area sits inside the trim and protects important content from normal cutting tolerance.
| Finished size | Trim dimensions | File size with 3 mm bleed |
|---|---|---|
| Business card | 85 × 55 mm | 91 × 61 mm |
| A6 | 105 × 148 mm | 111 × 154 mm |
| A5 | 148 × 210 mm | 154 × 216 mm |
| A4 | 210 × 297 mm | 216 × 303 mm |
| A3 | 297 × 420 mm | 303 × 426 mm |
If a background stops at the trim line, a slight movement during cutting can leave a white edge. Extend only backgrounds and edge-to-edge images into bleed; keep text inside the safe area.
Colour and image resolution
Screens create colour with RGB light; commercial full-colour print normally uses CMYK inks or toner. Some vivid screen colours cannot be reproduced exactly in CMYK, so a conversion can change their appearance. Prepare in CMYK when colour control matters and review your proof carefully.
Resolution depends on the final physical size and viewing distance. Around 300 dpi at final size is a sound target for business cards, flyers and stationery. Large-format graphics can sometimes use a lower effective resolution because they are viewed from farther away. Enlarging a small website image does not add detail.
Exporting a dependable PDF
- Confirm the document dimensions and bleed settings.
- Check that images extend through the bleed where required.
- Use a press-quality or high-quality print PDF preset.
- Include bleed in the exported PDF and embed fonts.
- Open the exported file and inspect every page at high zoom.
Crop marks are useful for some jobs, but the correct page size and bleed are more important. If a product needs a cutter guide, fold line or special finish layer, contact us for the correct setup before sending artwork.
Final checks before you upload
Proof names, phone numbers, prices, dates and QR codes from the exported PDF—not only from the design file. Make sure fine text is readable, page order is correct and no essential content is near an edge. Then choose the relevant product, such as business cards, flyers and leaflets or posters, and attach the final file to your order.
If you cannot create a print-ready PDF, send the best original artwork you have and contact the Kinsella Sign & Print team before ordering. We will explain what is needed rather than asking you to guess.