Artwok Guide - Printed Today

How to prepare your artwork for print?

Getting your artwork right before you order means faster production, no delays, and a result that looks exactly as you intended. Here's everything you need to know

Accepted File Formats

We accept the following file types:

PDF: Our preferred format. Export as a high-resolution print-ready PDF with all fonts outlined and bleeds included.
AI / EPS: Ideal for vector artwork. Outline all fonts before saving.
JPEG / PNG: Acceptable for photographic images, provided they are supplied at 300dpi at the final print size. Low-resolution files from the web (typically 72dpi) will appear blurry when printed.

We do not recommend Word, PowerPoint, or Publisher files. If your artwork is in one of these formats, our design team can convert and set it up for print from £25.

Resolution

For A3 and smaller: 300dpi at final print size
For A2, A1, A0, and large-format (banners, correx, mesh): 150dpi at final print size is sufficient the larger the print, the further away it is viewed
For very large format over 3m: 72–100dpi at print size is acceptable

A common mistake is supplying a small image file and scaling it up. A 10cm image at 300dpi becomes very poor quality when stretched to 1m. If in doubt, send us your file on live chat and we'll check it before you place your order.

Bleed Area

Keep all important content (text, logos) at least 5mm inside the finished edge (the safe zone)

Standard bleed: 3mm on all sides

Download one of our free templates below to get the correct setup for your product

If your artwork doesn't have bleed, our team will flag this when we check your file. In many cases we can extend the background colour or image slightly just ask on live chat.

Colour Mode

Artwork should be set up in CMYK colour mode for the most accurate print reproduction
RGB files are accepted but colours may shift slightly on conversion particularly bright blues, greens, and oranges
If you have specific Pantone colours that must be matched exactly, please note them in your order and we'll advise on the closest achievable match

Fonts

Outline all fonts (also called "convert to curves") before saving your file
This prevents font substitution if we don't have the same typeface installed

White ink and special colours

We print in full CMYK as standard. White is not a printable colour on most of our materials on white substrates, white areas in your design are simply left unprinted. If you need white ink on a coloured or transparent material, contact us before ordering to confirm availability.

Not sure if your file is ready?

Send it to us on live chat before you place your order. Our artwork team will check your file for free and let you know if anything needs adjusting. This takes 5–10 minutes and saves delays later.

Free Templates

Download a free artwork template for your product with the correct dimensions, bleed marks, and safe zones already set up.