Getting your design ready for print is one of the most important steps before placing an order. A file may look great on your screen, but if it is not set up correctly, the final print can come out blurry, cut off, misaligned, or with unexpected borders.
Here are a few simple things to check before sending your design to print.
1. Use the Right File Type
For the best results, we recommend uploading a print-ready PDF whenever possible. PDF files usually preserve your layout, text, images, and sizing better than other file types.
You can also use high-quality PNG or JPG files, but they should be exported at the correct size and resolution.
Best file types for printing:
PDF
Best option for most print products.
PNG
Good for graphics, logos, and designs with sharp edges.
JPG
Good for photos, but make sure the quality is high.
2. Check the Size of Your Design
Your design should match the exact size of the product you are ordering.
For example, if you are ordering a standard business card, your file should be designed at the business card size, not as a random image or screenshot.
If the size is wrong, your design may need to be stretched, cropped, or adjusted before printing.
3. Add Bleed
Bleed is the extra space around the edges of your design. It allows the design to extend slightly past the final cut line, so there are no unwanted white borders after trimming.
For most print products, adding bleed is very important if your design has a background color, image, or pattern that reaches the edge.
A common bleed size is 0.125 inches on each side.
For example, a standard 3.5″ x 2″ business card with bleed should usually be set up as:
3.625″ x 2.125″
4. Keep Important Text Away from the Edge
Do not place important text, logos, phone numbers, or details too close to the edge of the design.
Even with professional cutting, slight movement can happen during trimming. Keeping important content inside a safe margin helps prevent anything from being cut off.
A good rule is to keep important content at least 0.125 inches inside the trim line.
5. Use High-Resolution Images
Low-quality images may look okay on a phone or computer screen, but they can print blurry or pixelated.
For best results, use images that are at least 300 DPI at the final print size.
Avoid using screenshots, small social media images, or images downloaded from messaging apps, because they are often compressed and may not print clearly.
6. Check Your Colors
Colors on screen may look different when printed. This is normal because screens use light, while printing uses ink or toner.
Bright colors, neon colors, and very dark shades may print slightly differently depending on the paper, finish, and printer.
Before ordering, make sure your design has enough contrast and that text is easy to read.
7. Proofread Everything
Before uploading your file, carefully check all text.
Look over:
Names
Phone numbers
Email addresses
Website links
Social media handles
Addresses
Dates and times
Spelling and grammar
Once a custom print order is approved or submitted, mistakes in the file may appear in the final product.
8. Avoid Tiny Text
Small text can be hard to read when printed, especially on business cards, labels, and small flyers.
Try to keep important text clear, readable, and properly spaced. If people have to squint to read it on screen, it may be even harder to read in print.
9. Make Sure Your Logo Is Clear
Your logo should be high quality and not blurry. If possible, use the original logo file instead of a screenshot or copied image.
A clean logo helps your printed materials look more professional and polished.
Final Checklist Before Uploading
Before placing your order, ask yourself:
Is my file the correct size?
Did I include bleed if needed?
Is all important text inside the safe area?
Are my images high quality?
Did I proofread all text?
Is my logo clear?
Am I uploading the best version of the file?
Need Help?
Not sure if your file is ready? Contact SalamPrint before placing your order, and we can help you check the basics so your print comes out clean and professional.
