What File Format Should You Send for Print?
Avoid costly mistakes and get perfect results every time.
Sending the wrong file format is one of the most common reasons print jobs come back looking wrong. Here's what you need to know before you upload anything.
PDF (Print-ready) - This is the gold standard. Export from InDesign, Illustrator or Photoshop as a PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 with bleed and crop marks. Embed all fonts. This is what professional printers want.
AI / EPS - Native Illustrator files work well for vector artwork, but make sure fonts are outlined and linked images are embedded. Don't send these unless you know your printer accepts them.
JPEG / PNG - Acceptable for photo-heavy work if the resolution is 300dpi at the final print size. Never upscale a low-res image and expect it to print crisply - it won't.
PSD - Photoshop files can work but add complexity. A flattened, 300dpi PDF exported from Photoshop is always cleaner.
What to avoid: RGB colour mode (convert to CMYK before exporting), missing bleed (add 3mm on all sides), fonts that haven't been embedded or outlined, and anything under 300dpi.
When in doubt, call your printer before you send. Ten minutes of preparation will save hours of reprints.
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