File Formats

No matter which program you used to create your design, make sure it's saved in a format suitable for printing. The file should be the right size, use the correct colour mode, and have enough "bleed" around the edges to avoid white borders after trimming.

The best file types to send us are PDFs and JPEGs but we can also accept files from Adobe design programmes, including InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.

Adobe PDF

To produce stunning prints, we require all artwork to be submitted in a specific format. This ensures vibrant colours, crisp images, and professional results. Here's how to prepare your PDF file like a pro:

Resolution: Aim for high resolution (300dpi). Imagine each dot in your image as a pixel – the more dots, the sharper the print.

Compression: Downsample to 300dpi and set "auto compression" to high. This optimizes file size while maintaining quality.

Fonts: Ensure "embed all fonts" is selected. This prevents font substitutions that can alter your design.

Colours: Design in CMYK, not RGB. RGB files get converted, potentially affecting colours (check our Colour Guide for more).

Colour Profile: Set the profile to FOGRA39 for accurate colour representation during printing.

Adobe Illustrator

Images: All of the images should be embedded or supplied with your Illustrator file.

Fonts: Font files should be sent with your Illustrator file if possible. If not, convert all text to outlines. This prevents font substitutions that can alter your design. This will mean that the text is no longer editable, so we recommend saving this as a new file instead of overwriting your original file.

Colours: Design in CMYK, not RGB. RGB files get converted, potentially affecting colours (check our Colour Guide for more).

Colour Profile: Set the profile to FOGRA39 for accurate colour representation during printing.

Please be aware, sending Adobe Illustrator files can occasionally delay delivery due to the additional proofing.

Adobe Photoshop

Resolution: Set Resolution to 300dpi when starting your new document.

Images: If you have linked images, ensure that they are uploaded at the same time as the Photoshop file.

Fonts: Font files should be sent with your Photoshop file if possible. If not, convert all text to outlines (menu > convert to shape command). This prevents font substitutions that can alter your design. This will mean that the text is no longer editable, so we recommend saving this as a new file instead of overwriting your original file.

Colours: Design in CMYK, not RGB. RGB files get converted, potentially affecting colours (check our Colour Guide for more).

Colour Profile: Set the profile to FOGRA39 for accurate colour representation during printing.

Please be aware, sending Adobe Photoshop files can occasionally delay delivery due to the additional proofing.

Adobe InDesign

Please ensure all fonts and pictures used in your artwork are supplied to us in a separate folder using the "package" function under the "file" menu. Use a compression tool such as Stuffit or WinZip before uploading your order or sending it via e-mail.

Please include a PDF to allow us to check that no elements are been moved or omitted in the final artwork.

Colours: Design in CMYK, not RGB. RGB files get converted, potentially affecting colours (check our Colour Guide for more).

Colour Profile: Set the profile to FOGRA39 for accurate colour representation during printing.

Please be aware, sending Adobe InDesign files can occasionally delay delivery due to the additional proofing.

1. File Size
   Our website allows uploads up to 150MB, which is plenty for most artwork at the required resolution, as long as you choose the right format. If you run into trouble uploading, the file can be uploaded via WeTransfer (or other file transfer services). Please quote your order number when uploading the artwork using this method. If you have any issues, please call our Design Team at 01707 393 991. They can help diagnose the issue or suggest alternative ways to send your file Remember, what looks good on screen might not translate well to print. An image that appears clear on your computer could lose quality when printed at its full size. Check out our Resolution Guide to learn how to ensure your image quality meets our standards.
2. Colour
   When creating or preparing artwork for print, it’s essential to work in (or convert to) the CMYK colour mode, rather than RGB. CMYK files achieve colours by blending Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black), mirroring how printers mix inks to produce colours on the page For a comprehensive understanding of the differences between CMYK and RGB colours, as well as guidance on converting your artwork into a print-ready format, refer to our Colour Guide Please note that Pantone colours will automatically be converted to CMYK unless specifically requested and quoted by one of our sales team members.
3. Trimming
   Artwork Bleed
   There must be a minimum 3mm bleed around your artwork to account for very slight variances during the trimming process For example, an A6 size product is 148 x 105 mm.
   To supply artwork for this product, your file would need to be 154 x 111 mm
   Any background colours or designs would need to extend right to the edge.For further explanation of why we require a bleed area and how to avoid common mistakes, check out the Bleed Guide.Crop marks
   Adding crop marks to your artwork is not necessary. If you have experience designing for print, by all means, add them as correctly placed crop marks can save time and help us align your design.However, as long as the artwork is supplied at the correct dimensions with a 3mm bleed on all sides, we’ll be able to set it up for print without crop marks.
4. Multi-page products
   For print products spanning multiple pages, follow these guidelines for smooth processing:
   • Single PDF Preferred: Submit a single PDF file containing all pages in their intended printing order, with the front cover on page 1 and the back cover on the last page.
   • Separate File Uploads: If uploading individual files, number them sequentially with a prefix (e.g., 01_YourFilename, 02_YourFilename, etc.) to indicate their desired printing order.
   • Alternative Approach: If you can't supply your artwork in this way, you can still place your order. Email your artwork to us and one of our artworkers will check your files for you. Be aware that adding this step may delay your delivery date.
   • Pagination: No need to worry about page facing! Submit pages in sequential order as described above. We handle "Printers' Pairs" internally.
   • Wirobound Brochures: Allow a 10mm margin on artwork edges to avoid content being obscured by the binding wires.
   We have a guide dedicated to helping set up booklets and brochures that goes into more detail to help you get your desired result.  Spot UV & Foiling: Even for single-sided products, provide an additional page solely for indicating the areas where UV varnish or foil should be applied. Refer to our Spot UV and Foil Artwork Guides for detailed instructions.