Start with artwork that is set up properly
Good print starts before the file reaches the press. A design can look perfect on screen but still cause problems if it is supplied at the wrong size, without bleed, with low-resolution images, missing fonts or colours that behave differently in print.
In most cases, the safest file to supply is a print-ready PDF. A properly exported PDF helps preserve the layout, keep fonts and graphics stable, and reduce the risk of unwanted movement or missing elements.
This guide gives you a simple checklist for preparing print artwork. It is designed for customers supplying files from Canva, Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Affinity, Microsoft Office or other design tools.
Before sending artwork to print, check the following:
Most artwork issues are easy to avoid if you know what to look for. The most common problems include:
If artwork runs to the edge but no bleed is supplied, the finished print may have thin white edges after trimming.
Important text, logos or QR codes placed too near the trim line can look awkward or risk being cut off.
Images copied from websites, screenshots or social media may look fine on screen but print soft, blurry or pixelated.
Artwork should be built at the final print size, not just resized visually inside another page size.
Screen PDFs are often compressed and may not include the quality or settings needed for print.
Artwork designed in RGB can print differently because screens and print use different colour systems. Bright screen colours may look duller in print.
If fonts are not embedded, outlined or supplied correctly, text can change appearance when opened on another system.
Thin borders around the edge of a print item can look uneven after trimming, even if the file is technically centred.
If you need more detail, the following guides already on the site will help:
If you are unsure whether your artwork is suitable, ask before ordering. It is much easier to check a file early than fix a production problem once a job is in production.
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For most print jobs, a print-quality PDF is the best format. It helps keep the layout stable, preserves graphics and reduces the risk of missing fonts or formatting changes.
Bleed is extra artwork that extends beyond the final trimmed edge of the printed item. It helps prevent unwanted white edges when artwork runs to the edge of the page.
Not always. You usually need bleed if the background colour, image or design goes right to the edge of the finished print. If the design has a plain white border and nothing reaches the edge, bleed may not be needed.
The safe area is the space inside the trim edge where important content should sit. Text, logos, QR codes and key details should be kept inside this area so they do not risk being trimmed or looking too close to the edge.
Yes. Canva artwork can often be used for print, but it should be set up at the correct size, include bleed where needed and be exported as a print-quality PDF, usually using Canva’s PDF Print option.
Sometimes, but a print-quality PDF is usually better. JPG and PNG files may be suitable if they are high resolution and correctly sized, but they can cause quality issues if they are too small or heavily compressed.
Images should be high enough resolution for the size they will print. Avoid screenshots, small website images and low-quality social media downloads, as these often print blurry or pixelated.
Screens and print create colour differently. Screens use light, while print uses ink or toner on paper. Bright RGB colours can look duller or different when printed, especially if they are outside the printable colour range.
Yes, where possible. Fonts should be embedded in the PDF or converted appropriately so they do not change when the file is opened for print.
Only add crop marks if the artwork export settings require them or you have been asked to include them. Bleed is usually more important than crop marks. If you are unsure, ask before exporting.
Yes. If you are unsure whether your artwork is suitable, contact Ganda Media before ordering or before production begins. It is easier to check a file early than fix a problem later.
The most common artwork mistakes are missing bleed, text too close to the edge, low-resolution images, incorrect page size, files exported for screen instead of print, RGB colour surprises and missing fonts.