1. You’ve spent time perfecting your design — now it’s time to see it in print. But here’s the tricky part: if your artwork isn’t prepared properly, the final result might not match your expectations. Colours can change, images may lose sharpness, and in some cases you could even end up paying for a reprint.

    The good news? Setting up artwork for print isn’t difficult once you know the essentials. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the key things to check so your finished product looks crisp, professional, and exactly as intended.

    1. Pick the Right File Type

    Not every file format is suitable for print. The most reliable options are:

    • Print-ready PDF – the industry standard.
    • EPS or AI – vector files that keep logos and graphics sharp at any size.

    Avoid sending Word documents, PowerPoint slides, or screenshots — they aren’t designed for print and usually cause problems.

    2. Set the Correct Colour Mode

    Digital screens work in RGB (red, green, blue), while printers use CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black).

    If you send artwork in RGB, the colours may look muted or shift once printed. Always convert files to CMYK before submitting them to your printer to get the most accurate colour match.

    3. Use High Resolution Images

    Low resolution is the fastest way to end up with blurry results. Stick to:

    • 300dpi for standard print projects.
    • 150dpi for large-format items like banners, where they’ll be viewed from a distance.

    Tip: Don’t use images copied from the internet — most are only 72dpi and won’t reproduce well.

    4. Add Bleed and Keep a Safe Zone

    Printers trim materials to size, which means designs that designs that run to the edge need bleed (usually 3mm on each side). This prevents unwanted white borders.

    Equally important: keep text, logos, and key information at least 3mm inside the trim line so they don’t risk being cut off.

    5. Check Your Fonts

    If your printer doesn’t have your chosen font, your text may default to something completely different. To avoid that:

    • Convert text to outlines/curves.
    • Or supply the font files along with your artwork.

    Also, be mindful of size — anything under 6pt can become unreadable once printed.

    6. Proof Before You Print

    The simplest way to catch errors? Print your artwork on an office printer. You’ll quickly spot if something looks off, or if the design doesn’t flow.

    Always review:

    • Spelling and grammar
    • Contact details (phone, email, web address)
    • Logo placement
    • QR codes (make sure they scan correctly!)

    Fresh eyes help too — ask a colleague to take a look before you hit send.

    7. Send Files the Smart Way

    Large, high-quality files often won’t send well by email. Instead, use file transfer tools such as WeTransfer or Dropbox to keep them sharp and ready for print.

    Final Tips

    Preparing artwork correctly saves time, stress, and costly mistakes. Remember: the right file format, CMYK colour, 300dpi resolution, bleed and margins, and a solid proof check will go a long way.

    At Sigma we’re always happy to review your files before printing to make sure everything is set up perfectly — so you get flawless results the first time.

    Need a hand preparing your artwork? Get in touch today and we’ll guide you through it.

    Want us to create your artwork for you? No problem - just get in touch here and we can set up a call or meeting to get working on your project.