Artwork preparation
Make the file describe the finished piece clearly.
Check the finished size, bleed, images, fonts, colour, folds and variable records before supplying artwork. Ask the team before preparing an unfamiliar file format.
Production-ready intent
Artwork is more than the page you can see.
Bleed, trim, folds, safe areas, fonts, image quality, colour handling and variable records all affect whether the supplied file represents the intended result.
Arrange large-file transferCore file checks
Prepare the file around the production outcome
These checks are intentionally software-neutral. Ask before relying on an editable or proprietary file format.
- 01Print-ready PDF
- Supply a correctly exported final PDF where practical; confirm another format before sending
- 02Finished size and bleed
- Set the intended trim and extend printable artwork beyond cut edges where required
- 03Safe areas
- Keep essential text, codes and variable fields away from trim, fold and production zones
- 04Images
- Use suitable source images and avoid enlarging low-resolution material beyond a credible result
- 05Fonts
- Embed or otherwise supply fonts through an agreed production-safe file
- 06Colour
- Identify colour expectations and any brand-critical references so the team can confirm a suitable production approach
- 07Folds and panels
- Mark the structure clearly and check panel order, orientation and content flow
- 08Variable records
- Define changing fields, record source, naming and approval responsibility separately from static artwork
Questions
Artwork supply questions
Can I send an editable design file?
Ask first. The team needs to confirm whether the file type, linked assets and fonts can be handled for the particular job.
What if my artwork is too large for email?
Contact the team for the appropriate Dropbox transfer link and include the quote or job reference when one is available.
Should variable names or numbers be placed into every design manually?
Not necessarily. Define the variable fields and record source first so the production approach can be confirmed before files are finalised.
Start with the requirements
Ready to discuss your artwork?
Share the product, quantity, artwork status, delivery location and any options you are considering. The print team can help shape a suitable specification before preparing a quote.