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Preparing Artwork for Print: Bleed, CMYK & Resolution

Most print problems are file problems. This five-minute checklist prevents nearly all of them.

1. Add 3 mm bleed

Bleed is artwork that extends 3 mm past the trim edge on every side, so background colour runs to the edge after cutting. A business card file should be 91 × 61 mm for an 85 × 55 mm card.

2. Work in CMYK

Screens show RGB; presses print CMYK. Convert before you send, or expect colours — especially bright blues and greens — to shift duller.

3. Use 300 dpi images at full size

An image that looks fine on a phone can pixelate in print. Check images at 100% size: 300 dpi is the standard for sharp results.

4. Outline your fonts

Convert text to outlines (or embed fonts in the PDF) so nothing substitutes on another machine.

5. Keep a quiet zone

Keep logos and text at least 4 mm inside the trim edge so nothing important is clipped.

6. Export a print-ready PDF

PDF/X or high-quality print preset, single pages in order, bleed included. Then — send it to us: every Alifarts order includes a free designer file check, and we'll flag anything on this list before print.