Artwork Specifications for Print and Signage

Supplying print-ready artwork is the quickest way to get your job approved, printed and delivered on time. Use the guidelines below to prepare your files for everything from business cards and flyers to banners, boards and large format signage. If your artwork doesn’t meet these specifications, our prepress team will contact you before anything goes to print.

Print-Ready Artwork Specifications

Valley Edge accepts PDF files only, supplied as finished artwork and prepared according to the following specifications.

1. Resolution

  • All photographs and raster illustrations must be supplied at 300 dpi at final print size.

2. Colour

  • All colours must be converted to CMYK.
  • RGB, LAB and other non-CMYK colour formats are not accepted.
  • PMS (Pantone) colours are not accepted unless specifically agreed in advance.

3. Fonts

  • All fonts must be embedded in the PDF or converted to outlines.

4. Crop Marks and Bleed

  • Crop marks must be included.
  • Artwork must include the appropriate bleed for the job:

    • 3 mm for offset and digital printing.
    • 5 mm for saddle-stitched booklets.
    • 5 mm for wide-format printing.

5. Document Size

  • The document trim size must match the dimensions specified in your order.
  • Ensure all artwork extending to the edge of the finished product includes the required bleed.

6. Special Finishes and Embellishments

  • Spot UV, Scodix, metallic finishes and other embellishments must be supplied on a separate page within the PDF and identified using a dedicated spot colour.
  • Any dielines, fold lines or perforation lines must be overlaid onto the artwork, assigned a spot colour and set to overprint.

7. Page Count and File Submission

  • The page count must match the specifications of your order.
  • Supply one PDF file per artwork type, with all pages combined into a single PDF.

Examples:

  • Business cards: Two different designs, printed double-sided, require two separate PDF files, each containing two pages.
  • 32-page saddle-stitched booklet: Supply one PDF file containing all 32 pages in the correct order.

Print terms explained

Bleed. Extra artwork beyond the trim line. Printers cut slightly outside or inside the line, so bleed stops white edges appearing.

Crop marks. Small lines in the corners that show where to trim.

Safe area. Keep text and logos at least 3 mm inside the trim line, so nothing important gets cut off.

CMYK. The four ink colours used in printing: cyan, magenta, yellow and black. Screens use RGB light instead, so bright RGB colours can look duller in print.

DPI. Dots per inch. Higher DPI means sharper photos. Images taken from websites are usually too low for print.

How to export a print-ready PDF

From Canva

  1. Go to File, then Settings, and turn on “Show print bleed.” Extend backgrounds to the outer edge.
  2. Click Share, then Download.
  3. Choose “PDF Print” as the file type.
  4. Tick “Crop marks and bleed.”
  5. Set the colour profile to CMYK (needs Canva Pro) and download.

From Adobe InDesign

  1. Set a 3 mm bleed in File, then Document Setup.
  2. Go to File, Export, and choose Adobe PDF (Print).
  3. Choose the PDF/X-1a preset. It converts to CMYK and embeds fonts.
  4. Under Marks and Bleeds, tick Crop Marks and “Use Document Bleed Settings.”

From Adobe Illustrator

  1. Set the colour mode to CMYK in File, then Document Color Mode.
  2. Set a 3 mm bleed in Document Setup.
  3. Go to File, Save As, and choose Adobe PDF with the PDF/X-1a preset.
  4. Under Marks and Bleeds, tick Trim Marks and “Use Document Bleed Settings.”

From Word or PowerPoint These programs can save a PDF, but they can’t add bleed or convert to CMYK. For designs that run to the edge, send us your file and our designers will set it up.

Don’t have print-ready artwork?

That’s fine. Our designers can prepare your files, fix bleed and colour, or design from scratch.

Send us what you have, and we’ll tell you what it needs.

Artwork FAQs

What is bleed in printing? Bleed is extra artwork past the trim line. Add 3 mm for most print jobs and 5 mm for booklets and wide format.

Why do you need CMYK instead of RGB? Printers use CMYK inks. RGB files can shift colour when printed, especially bright blues and greens.

Can I send a JPG or PNG? No. We accept PDF files only, prepared to the specifications above.

What if my artwork isn’t print-ready? Our prepress team will contact you before anything goes to print.

Can you fix my artwork for me? Every file supplied is different it would depend how it was created.

How do I send my files? Email, upload to wetransfer or USB.

Before Submitting Your Artwork

Please check that your files meet all the above specifications before sending them to Valley Edge. Correctly prepared artwork helps us avoid delays, minimise file corrections and ensure your job is printed and delivered as quickly as possible.

If you are unsure whether your artwork is print-ready, please contact us before submitting your files. We can assess your artwork and advise whether any corrections are required.

 

Tell us what you need

Call, email or visit us anytime. We understand our clients needs and know which materials give the best outcome in the fastest time.

  • 24 hrs Your quote
  • 48 hrs Design proofs
  • 2–7 days Signage made and installed
Visit 75 Doggett Street, Newstead, Brisbane QLD 4006
Call 07 3257 2000
Email mail@valleyedge.com.au

Request a quote

We reply within 24 hours.

EXPERTISE, SERVICE
AND QUALITY
SINCE 1989

Design, print and signage working together

As business communication specialists, we know how much your image matters. Our design team works side by side with our colour accurate printers and trade quality sign makers.

Together, they make sure every sign looks like your brand.