File Format & Resolution
Save your final file as a high-resolution PDF, with images and graphics at a minimum of 300 DPI at final print size. Lower resolutions tend to look blurry or pixelated once printed, especially on larger formats.
Color Mode
Convert your file to CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). This will give you a more accurate color representation rather than RGB, since RGB colors can shift unpredictably when converted during printing. Artwork that is submitted using other color modes would need to be converted to CMYK, which could cause slight color changes from screen to print.
Bleed and Trim Marks
Extend any background colors, images, or design elements that touch the edge of the page by at least 0.125 inches (3mm) beyond the trim line to account for slight shifts during cutting. Include trim marks so finishing knows exactly where the final cut should land, and keep any important text or logos at least 0.25 inches inside the trim line as a safety margin.
Fonts and Images
Either embed all fonts directly into the PDF or convert text to outlines/vector paths, since missing fonts can cause text to reflow or substitute incorrectly. Make sure all linked images are embedded rather than linked externally, and avoid using low-quality images in your design.
File Naming and Submission
Name your file clearly with the project name (e.g., "BusinessCard_Front_3.5x2.pdf"), and if there are multiple pages or sides, submit them as a single multi-page PDF rather than separate files unless requested otherwise.
