Creating print-ready artwork

Make sure that the artwork you submit to us is ‘print ready’ and avoid any extra artwork charges. Before sending your files, ensure that they meet the following requirements:

File Format – we can only accept artwork as ‘print ready’ if it is in PDF format. Most graphic programs will let you to save your artwork in this format.

Resolution – Files, including any images, must be supplied at a minimum of 300 dpi (dots per inch) to print clearly. You can downsize a larger image but never upsize a small image as print quality will be poor. Images found online, for instance, are usually 72 dpi, and are not suitable for professional printing.

Colours – Files must be created in CMYK for colours to print accurately.

Production printing presses use different technologies than home/office printers and computer monitors. These should not be used to proof colours as they will not accurately represent what will be printed.

A screen displays at 72dpi in RGB, most VDU screens are not calibrated and the representation will vary according to the manufacturer of the screen and it’s settings.

Print colours may also vary according to the material used in printing - ie. there will be a difference between the colours on gloss material, silk material and uncoated materials.

Bleed - Bleed is used to extend an image, colour or line right to the edge of the finished printed piece. For example, if you want your background to be entirely blue, you must bleed the blue colour past the edge of the final size of print. This prevents a white line down one or more edges of your print, caused by very slight variations in printing and guillotining.

You must include at least 3mm bleed on each side of your artwork, and also include crop marks wherever possible.

07/04/10: London Print Brokers is now Optimus Print Solutions. Visit our new website here.