Artwork Guidelines & Submission | Printulu Help Center

Design Checklist for Print

Design Checklist for Print See the design checklist image below for print requirements.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

Artwork Guidelines

Artwork Guidelines See the artwork guidelines images below for complete print requirements.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

How must my artwork be supplied?

How must my artwork be supplied? There are 10 main elements to ensure that your artwork is production ready: **1. ARTWORK COLOUR MODE****All artwork must be converted to CMYK and not RGB colour format. 2. SAVING / EXPORTING FILES****Save / Export files as a High-Quality PDF with bleed, or when using Canva select PDF Print (Select crop marks and bleed) or PNG (Convert to CMYK afterwards online). 3. SIZE AND NUMBER OF PAGES****The artwork should be the same size as the specifications. The page numbers should match up to the number of pages in your order. 4. SUPPLY ALL PAGES AS SINGLE PAGES.****All pages should be supplied as single pages in one pdf document, not spreads. 5. BLEED****All paper print products should be supplied with 3mm bleed, and trim marks. All large format products should be supplied with 5mm bleed, and trim marks. 6. FLATTENED ARTWORK****All artwork files supplied must be flattened PDFs. 7. HIGH RESOLUTION****All images within the artwork must be high-resolution (300dpi). 8. INDIVIDUAL FILES FOR EACH JOB.****Supply separate artwork for each of the products you have ordered. 9. 100% BLACK****Ensure that text is 100% K value when you have ordered black & white products. 10. EMBED YOUR FONTS & CHECK YOUR SIZE** Ensure that all fonts are embedded or converted to vector paths. Paper Products Font Size: Minimum 5pt. Large Format Products Font Size: Minimum 8pt. CHECKLIST - CMYK - High-Quality PDF or PNG - Artwork Size & Number of Pages - Single page designs in one pdf - Bleed - Flattened Artwork - 300dpi Resolution - 1 File. 1 Product. - Use 100% Black - Fonts converted and sized correctly.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

Which file formats does Printulu accept?

Which file formats does Printulu accept? Printulian Friendly Formats include: - PDF - Jpeg - PNG - TIFF Printulian Feared Formats include: - Illustrator open file (.ai, .eps, .svg) - Indesign open file (.indd) - Photoshop open file (.psd) - CorelDRAW open file (.cdr) - Word, Powerpoint or Excel Files - Publisher - Pages - Numbers Open files will never be accepted due to the fact that these files tend to move elements around when opened by a different user.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

What is Print-Ready Artwork?

What is Print-Ready Artwork? Print-Ready artwork describes a printable file that meets all guidelines and specifications required to produce a perfectly printed product. View our artwork guidelines here

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

What is Bleed?

What is Bleed? Bleeds allow you to run the design over the edge of a page. On a press, the artwork is printed on a large sheet of paper and then trimmed down to size. If you do not allow for 3-5mm of bleed, any misalignment whilst cutting will result in the artwork not running to the edge of the paper. The edges of your trimmed final product will most likely end up white. Below is an image that shows the white (Your artwork size) with another outer border that is filled with design elements. These elements will be cut off during production. Be sure to avoid adding text to the edges of the artwork as this will be cut off. Leave an inner margin, on your artwork, of 3-5mm clear of text but be sure to extend the design. Bleed = Product size on specification - 6mm (3mm for each size) Inner Margin = Product size on specification - 6mm (3mm for each size)

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

Why do you need 3mm Bleed?

Why do you need 3mm Bleed? Not a trained designer? That's ok - You're likely to come across a few terms that you may not understand when ordering with printulu. One of the terms used regularly is bleed, we need between 3 to 5mm bleed for any print job. Why? The machines that trims your product can cause slight guillotine movements that can leave a white edge on your artwork. If you set your artwork up with 3mm extra design all around your final printed product size, you'll ensure that the end result is beautifully finished. Remember to keep the extra 3mm all around clear of text or elements you don't want to lose. Here's how to add bleed

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

How to add bleed

How to add bleed Adobe Photoshop - Open Photoshop and click File > New... - Enter the FULL ORDERS SIZE INCLUDING BLEED dimensions. 3mm to each side of the artwork. - Set the Resolution at 300 pixels/inch - Set the Colour Mode to CMYK - Save as photoshop PDF Adobe Illustrator - Open Illustrator and click File > New... - Enter the product size dimensions. Under Bleed add 3mm to each side. - Set the Colour Mode to CMYK - Set the Raster Effects at High (300ppi) Adobe InDesign - Open InDesign and click File > New > Document... - Enter the dimensions under width and height. - Under Margins enter 3mm. Scroll down to Bleed and Slug. - Enter 3mm for the top, bottom, left and right bleed Canva - Select Share (Top Right) - Select Download in the drop-down menu - File Type PDF Print - Select Crop Marks & Bleed - Select Flatten PDF - Select Download

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

Canva Setup

Canva Setup Canva Step 1: File setup Create a design button > Custom Size > Enter the ordered size of the product > Design your product. Step 2: Save with Bleed - Select Share (Top Right) - Select Download in the drop-down menu - File Type PDF Print - Select Crop Marks & Bleed - Select Flatten PDF - Select colour Profile CMYK (For Paid users only) - Select Download Step 3: Convert to CMYK (Non-paying Canva Users) Canva is a digital design studio which means it works in RGB colour Mode. You will now need to convert your artwork to CMYK before uploading it to your printulu order. You can upload your artwork here and follow the onscreen prompts.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

Will you check my artwork before you go to print?

Will you check my artwork before you go to print? Without a doubt, our process includes an automatic preflight check. This check is incorporated to ensure that what you design, what you ordered and what we produce all align to produce the final product. Our DTP Operators will report anything that seems to not match up with the ordered products. If you have received an artwork problem report, here is a link to our Printulu youtube channel, the solutions have been posted here.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

What do you mean by Automatic Basic Check?

What do you mean by Automatic Basic Check? The printulu process includes an automatic basic preflight check. This check is incorporated to ensure that what you design, what you ordered and what we produce all align to produce the final product. We check the following elements: - Does your artwork match the order placed: Page Amount, Size, Orientation - Is your artwork CMYK mode - Is the resolution of the artwork 300dpi - Is the minimum font size required adhered to (5pt Paper product; 8pt Large Format Products) - Is there anything at risk of getting trimmed off (No text in the last 3mm of page design) - Does the document have sufficient bleed (Additional design of 3mm added to your product ordered size)

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

My artwork resolution is low, what now?

My artwork resolution is low, what now? One of the worst problems to have is a low resolution image, luckily it is actually very easy to fix in most cases. Method 1: Use Photoshop Adobe Photoshop is one of the easiest tools through which you can fix your image quality. Here is how you can increase your image resolution: - Launch Photoshop and click on the "File" button. - Open the file that you wish to edit. - Go to the "Image" tab at the top and choose the option "Image Size." - In the emerging box, choose a suitable value of the "Width" and "Height" of the image. - Also, adjust your resolution to 300dpi (pixels/inch). - Lastly, click on "OK" and save your file to the device. Method 2: Resize your image with Adobe Express The easiest way to get the best quality image is to google it and download the largest image size from the original source. Alternatively, you can upload your image to Adobe Express and resize it. Here are a few standard values: 50mm: 189px 90mm: 341px 100mm: 378px 148mm: 560px 210mm: 794px 297mm: 1123px

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

I only have artwork in RGB, why can't you print this?

I only have artwork in RGB, why can't you print this? In short, any colours produced in an RGB Colour mode on the digital space will not create the same colours on the physical print. Designing in CMYK colour mode will give you a more accurate representation of the final print colour. Here is how to change your RGB artwork to CMYK colour mode: https://youtu.be/fAlS-97nTCc

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

What do you mean there are fonts missing?

What do you mean there are fonts missing? The fonts you used in your design are not currently on our computers or you have not converted them to paths. When our system doesn't recognise a font: 1) Your design will print with a default font. 2) When the Printulu designers need to fix something in your artwork, it could throw out the whole design. Click here to see how you can fix the issue.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

Why do you say my font sizes are too small?

Why do you say my font sizes are too small? Printulu has a minimum font size requirement for any artwork to ensure that any print is readable. The minimum font size requirements are as follows: Traditional Print Items (Paper print products): 5pt font size Large Format Print Items (Anything that is not plain old paper): 8pt font size

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

What is a Die-Trace?

What is a Die-Trace? Die-cutting is a term that you may have heard thrown around quite a bit, especially if you have uniquely shaped packaging, labels, or business cards. Die-cutting is the process in which a machine is used to mass-produce cut-out shapes, exactly like an industrial cookie cutter. If printulu refers to a die-trace, it is the shape of a custom-cut item. Here is a quick link on how to set up a die-trace (paper products) OR cut contour (large format products). Settings for a die-trace: Spot Colour Magenta: 100% Stroke Width: 0,353mm

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

My order is for black plate changes, why did you report this?

My order is for black plate changes, why did you report this? For you to understand what black plate changes are, it is better to first understand the litho print process. Litho printing is where the print document you want to produce is placed on a plate which is then covered in ink and used for printing. This process can be used to print on paper and other materials. Most litho machines use four plates (CMYK) to make up a complete image. The material receiving the image or words you want to print is placed against the plate and the inks are absorbed accordingly on the material.** For a full-colour plate change calendar, you will require 12 (Months) x 4 (CMYK): That's 48 plates that will make your production cost extremely high.**** Black plate change is the modification of a print document that requires only one plate change. Basically, anything that will change from page to page must be set up in 100% black ink (K). A black-plate change is inexpensive compared to changing a four-color document. For a black plate change calendar, you will require 12 (Months {K}) + 4 (CMYK): That's 16 plates that will make your production cost substantially lower.**** If your artwork has been reported for black plate changes not met, here is how you can fix it. TIP: If you scroll through your pages, the only elements that may shift or change must be 100% Black (K) value.**

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

How must I supply my brochure layouts?

How must I supply my brochure layouts? It's very important to supply your artwork in the correct file format (PDF) and orientation. Please ensure that your artwork matches the specifications of your order. Brochures & Booklets: Supplied as single pages in one PDF document. Excluding PUR-bound books. PUR-Bound Booklets: Supply Cover with spine width. Calculate your spine width here Folded Brochures: Supplied as full flat size

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

Why do you only print in CMYK?

Why do you only print in CMYK? The explanation is simple: Monitors use RGB to display images, but printers use CMYK. We can convert your RGB artwork to CMYK but you will need to approve it before we can go into production. You can find an online RGB to CMYK online converter or watch this video on how to do it in illustrator.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

My file is not corrupted/damaged on my side!

My file is not corrupted/damaged on my side! If you're receiving a report that your artwork is corrupted, it's not your fault. Sometimes corruption of a file will happen during the saving or uploading of a file. To avoid any unnecessary back and forth emails, we suggest that you re-save / export your file and re-upload it. Be sure to check that the internet connection is strong.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

What do you mean my artwork is getting cut off?

What do you mean my artwork is getting cut off? Any elements that you do not want us to cut off in the final product must be 3 - 5mm in from the outer edge of the artwork. This is called a safe inner margin. If your text or logos are in the outer 3 - 5mm of your artwork, the artwork will be reported for risk of element cut off. Images and background colours can go to the edge of the page, but text and logos must be in the safe area.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

Templates

Templates Click here to access our Google Drive with templates.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

Creating Ticket Artwork

Creating Ticket Artwork The main things to look out for with ticket artwork is: • Numbers should be in two places only - One number on ticket / Same number on the part that you will keep • Numbers should be in a "normal font" such as Arial or something similar • Perforation must be a dashed line in spot colour (C:0, M:100, Y:0, K:0) • Bleed: 3mm all around • Safety text margin 3mm in from the edge • No text below 5pt font size • Artwork to be supplied in CMYK format • All images must be 300dpi

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

What is a vector logo

What is a vector logo A vector logo is what the designer originally sends to you (Most likely in pdf). You can check if it is a vector by zooming in, a vector logo will never be pixelated. .ai: Short for Adobe Illustrator, this file is commonly used in print media and digital graphics, such as logos. .eps: Encapsulated PostScript is an older type of vector graphics file. .pdf: The Portable Document Format is built for the exchange of documents across platforms. .svg: The Scalable Vector Graphics format is based in XML. It's useful for the web.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

Design Service

Design Service Once you have placed your order and paid the invoice, you need to fill in the brief for our designer. Step 1: Log into your profileStep 2: Click on "My Orders" (On the left side panel)Step 3: Click on "Order Details" on the right of the relevant orderStep 4: Click on "Design Brief Form" - This will still be in redStep 5: Fill in the answers to the questions in the white spacesStep 6: Click on "Start Uploader" to drag and drop images and logosStep 7: Click on "Submit"

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

Fonts are not embedded

Fonts are not embedded **Sounds scary, I know, but it is super easy to fix!**VERY IMPORTANT TIP: Copy and paste your file because you will lose text editing capabilities Select everything in the artboard > Go to object (Menu top bar) > Select Expand Appearance > Click Ok > Go to Object (Menu top bar) > Expand > Click ok Now you can save and all will be right in the world.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

How to resize artwork in Canva

How to resize artwork in Canva Resizing designs: - On the menu bar above the editor, click Resize. - Enter custom dimensions, or pick from the preset design size options. - To resize the current design, click Resize. - To keep your current design unchanged and create a new resized version of it instead, click Copy & resize.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

How to convert a word document to CMYK

How to convert a word document to CMYK We suggest https://www.pdf2cmyk.com. Save your file as a pdf. Upload your file. Under Select CMYK profile choose US Web Coated SWOP v2. Click on Start. Download the new version of your PDF under Results.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

Brochures – The Ultimate Guide

Brochures – The Ultimate Guide Creating print-ready brochures is super easy. Here are the things you need to look out for: Size: The size of your ordered product is the size of your end product, the artwork size should be exactly the same. Image Quality: Images must be a minimum of 250dpi. Colours: Always ensure that you are designing in a CMYK Colour mode. Paper: Using standard paper, such as 128gsm Gloss provides durability but is also easily folded. Utility options: If you are creating artwork for a wiro brochure, leave a 25mm space free of text on the left and the right. ABOVE ALL, REMEMBER: If you are using Canva to design your brochures, you need to create a custom size. Canva is based on US standard sizes. Alter your size for brochures Be sure to include 3mm to your size. The 3mm will ensure that you have enough bleed. This means you are adding 3mm to each side of the artwork. Thus a 210mm x 297mm (A4) will become 216mm x 303mm. Change your document colour mode We suggest https://www.pdf2cmyk.com. Upload your file, under Select CMYK profile choose US Web Coated SWOP v2. Click on Start. Download the new version of your PDF under results.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

How to use our design manager

How to use our design manager Watch our video tutorial on how to use the design manager: Loom Video

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

Where to get your artwork size

Where to get your artwork size Open your PDF file, then either manually attend File Properties or simply press Ctrl+D to check the artwork dimensions. NOTE! Before you opt to put your order, confirm that your artwork includes the required safety margins and bleed. Artwork files that already include bleed will always have slightly larger dimensions (+0.6cm in breadth and +0.6cm in height) than the ultimate product.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

Can I send you documents created in MS Word or PowerPoint?

Can I send you documents created in MS Word or PowerPoint? Absolutely! But T & Cs Apply :) If you have created documents in Word or PowerPoint that contain photos, clip-art, or other colour images, send them in. But be sure to save it as a PDF. We also advise you to convert your artwork to CMYK before uploading it.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

How well will my job match what I see on my monitor?

How well will my job match what I see on my monitor? The explanation is simple, but the reality is tricky: Monitors use RGB to display images, but printers use CMYK. Colours on a monitor screen may not necessarily be indicative of ink on paper or other mediums. Your monitor's colour calibration and brightness can also affect how you see your artwork on screen. We can tell you from experience that CMYK prints the same colour rather consistently without a lot of variation but take into consideration that there is a 3% variable.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

Acceptable File Formats for Printing

Acceptable File Formats for Printing **Acceptable formats:****PDF High-Res Jpeg High-Res PNG Unacceptable Formats:** Open Files (Unless requested), including: .docx, .ppt, .xlsx, .ai, .indd, .psd, .cdr, .pub Please save any files as a PDF from the open file

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

My artwork was reported for multiple artworks supplied

My artwork was reported for multiple artworks supplied Think of any print order system as a puppy, basic instructions gets the job done. Give me one artwork, for one amount of quantities / one line item. Our system cannot handle multiple artworks on a single line item.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

Design Manager: How to approve or request changes

Design Manager: How to approve or request changes How to review your suggested design via your profile: - Log into your profile - Go to my order - Select Order Details - Click on Design Brief Form (The block will be red) - Click on the PDF icon above Approve / Request revision to download - If you approve, click on Approve. - Email your desk agent to inform them that your artwork has been approved. - If you'd like to request a change. Click on Request revision - Type out your request and click on submit.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

How to calculate the spine (Pur Binding)

How to calculate the spine (Pur Binding) Spine Calculation:Spine size = (Gsm of the inside pages paper) x (Number of sheets of the inside pages)** NB:** Please note that we are using the number of sheets in this formula which is number of pages divided by two.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

How to Set up Files for Clear (transparent) Vinyl Stickers with White Ink

How to Set up Files for Clear (transparent) Vinyl Stickers with White Ink Printulu does NOT offer white ink printing. When printing on transparent, one needs to print a white layer below the actual design in order for it to show on dark products. **Step 1: Graphic Quality****Make sure your graphics are of suitable quality for printing. We highly recommend vector files as they allow unlimited resizability without losing resolution. Step 2: Die Line and Bleed****Create a die line for the sticker, make sure the line is 0.1pt thick and in 100% magenta. It is recommended to be offset 0.125" away from the graphic. Step 3: White Ink and Opacity****Due to the transparent nature of the clear vinyl sticker, all white areas in the graphic will not have ink on them. Create a new swatch for the white ink, name it White_ink, color mode: Spot Color, and set the CMYK values to 30/10/10/0. Step 4. Submission** Save your file as an Adobe Illustrator file (.ai) or Adobe PDF and you are ready to submit.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

Creating a CMYK New File With Publisher

Creating a CMYK New File With Publisher - Open Publisher and create a new document. - Select Page Design at the top of the page, and hit the small expander box next to Page Setup to open the Page Setup dialogue. - Set the height and width 6mm larger than the size of the finished printed piece. For example, if you're using a 210 x 297 brochure template, make the dimensions 216 x 303mm instead. - Choose File at the top of the page, then select Info > Commercial Print Settings > Choose Color Model. - A Color Model dialogue box will appear. Pick "Process colours (CMYK)." Hit OK to save your settings.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

What does a DTP Preflight check?

What does a DTP Preflight check? DTP Preflight refers to the process of checking a digital document for potential issues or errors before it is printed. The preflight process usually involves checking the following: • Is your minimum font size minimum 5pt (Paper printing) or 8pt (Large Format)? • Is your artwork in CMYK colour mode? • Is there sufficient bleed for your artwork? • Is anything in your artwork at risk of getting cut off? • Is your image resolution 300 dpi? • Are your fonts embedded or converted to curves? • Have you added the correct Die / Template? • Is your colour set up correctly for black plate changes?

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

Notepad Line Thickness

Notepad Line Thickness When it comes to notepad design, line thickness is an important consideration. A line thickness of 0.2mm is a popular choice for many designers. So why is 0.2mm a good choice for line thickness in notepad design? There are several reasons: - Clarity: A line thickness of 0.2mm is thin enough to provide a clean, clear look to the design without being too difficult to see. - Balance: 0.2mm is a good balance between thickness and thinness. - Flexibility: Because 0.2mm is a popular choice for line thickness, it is easy to find design resources and tools that support this thickness.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026

Black Ink Printing - How to Set it up

Black Ink Printing - How to Set it up Black ink printing has been a staple of the printing industry for centuries. 100% Black ink is a type of ink that is composed solely of black pigment. It is the darkest and most opaque form of black ink. SETTING UP ARTWORK FOR 100% BLACK: - Open Adobe Illustrator and create a new document. - Select the "File" menu and click "New". Set the colour mode to "CMYK". - Create your artwork using only black from the Swatches panel. - Ensure that all text is converted to outlines. - Save your file as High-Quality PDF with bleed/trim marks.

Last updated on Jul 16, 2026