You’ve spent hours (maybe even days) perfecting your design. The layout is clean, the visuals are crisp, and the colors pop on your screen. But before you hit “send” to your printer, hold on a minute. Preparing and sending your file to print isn’t as simple as exporting a PDF. One small mistake can result in blurry text, cut-off images, or even a costly reprint.
This blog is your ultimate, beginner-friendly checklist of 12 must-do tasks before sending your file to print. Whether you’re working on business cards, flyers, brochures, or posters—this guide will help you avoid printing disasters and ensure your final product looks professional. If you’re planning business card printing in Dubai, these tips are especially crucial to make sure your design translates perfectly from screen to paper.
1. Convert to CMYK Color Mode
Your screen uses RGB (Red, Green, Blue) colors, but printers use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) inks. If you design in RGB and forget to convert to CMYK, your printed colors might look totally different.
How to convert:
- Photoshop: Image > Mode > CMYK Color
- Illustrator: File > Document Color Mode > CMYK Color
- InDesign: Set CMYK when creating a new document
Always design in CMYK from the start to avoid major color shifts.
2. Set the Resolution to 300 DPI
Images look fine on screens at 72 DPI, but for printing, you need at least 300 DPI to get sharp results.
How to check:
- Zoom in to 100% and inspect image clarity
- Right-click your image file and check its properties (look for DPI or PPI)
Blurry printouts are often due to low-resolution images. Don’t upscale small files—start with high-res photos. A professional printing company in Dubai will also typically reject low-resolution files to maintain print quality, so it’s best to get it right from the start.
3. Use the Right File Format
Printers prefer specific file types. Sending the wrong one can result in missing fonts or unprintable layers.
Best formats:
- PDF (Print-Ready)
- TIFF for images
- EPS for vector files
Avoid JPEG or PNG unless explicitly requested by your printing company in Dubai or elsewhere.
4. Embed or Outline Your Fonts
If your printer doesn’t have your exact font installed, your text could change.
Two options:
- Embed fonts in your PDF settings
- Convert text to outlines (Vectorize it): In Illustrator, select text > Type > Create Outlines
Outlined fonts can’t be edited but ensure perfect consistency.
5. Check Your Bleed and Margins
Bleed:
This is extra space around the edges of your document (usually 3mm or 0.125 inches) to allow for cutting.
Also Read: What Custom Parchment Paper Says About Your Brand
Safe Zone (Margin):
Keep important text and logos at least 3–6mm away from the edge to avoid trimming errors.
Most printing templates come with guides for bleeds and safe zones. Use them!
6. Flatten Transparencies and Layers
Design files often contain multiple layers and transparency effects that may not translate well when printed.
What to do:
- In Photoshop: Layer > Flatten Image
- In Illustrator: Object > Flatten Transparency
Flattening reduces printing errors and speeds up the printing process.
7. Use Rich Black for Solid Black Areas
Pure black (C=0, M=0, Y=0, K=100) often looks dull. Use rich black for deeper, darker blacks.
Example Rich Black Values:
- C=60, M=40, Y=40, K=100
Use rich black for large areas (like backgrounds), but stick to pure black for small text.
8. Proofread Everything
Once it’s printed, typos are permanent.
Tips:
- Use spellcheck tools
- Read your content out loud
- Ask a friend or colleague to review it
Even a single typo on a business card or brochure can make your brand look unprofessional.
9. Remove Hidden or Unused Elements
Extra images, hidden text layers, or off-canvas items can accidentally show up in print.
Do this:
- Check all layers
- Delete unused objects
- Clean up your artboard or canvas
A tidy file helps both you and the printer avoid mistakes.
10. Confirm Page Size and Orientation
Double-check that your document size matches the final print size.
Ask yourself:
- Is it A4, A5, Letter, Business Card, or Custom?
- Portrait or landscape?
Mismatched sizes can lead to stretch, cropping, or blank borders.
11. Include Crop Marks and Bleed When Exporting
Crop marks show where the printer should cut. Bleeds ensure your artwork runs edge to edge.
How to include:
- In Illustrator/InDesign PDF export settings: Check “Crop Marks” and “Use Document Bleed Settings”
These settings help your printing company trim everything accurately.
12. Do a Final Test Print or Soft Proof
Don’t rely on your screen alone. A physical test print (or at least a soft proof) is critical.
Types:
- Soft proof: Simulated view on screen
- Hard proof: Actual printed sample
Many printing companies in Dubai offer affordable test prints. It’s worth it before committing to hundreds of copies.
Bonus Tip: Communicate with Your Printing Company
Before sending your final file, always ask your printer:
- Preferred file format?
- Required bleed size?
- Do they need fonts outlined?
- What paper options and finishes are available?
A professional printing company in Dubai will gladly provide these details. Clear communication avoids last-minute surprises.
Final Thoughts: Print Like a Pro
Preparing a file for print might seem overwhelming, but with this checklist, you’re already 90% there. These 12 steps help ensure that your design doesn’t just look good on screen—it looks amazing in real life.
Whether you’re working with a local printing company in Dubai or an online print service, sending a well-prepared file saves you time, money, and stress.
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