How to Prepare Your Files for Professional Printing

At Foiltek Printing, we specialize in delivering sharp, vibrant, and perfectly trimmed print materials—but it all starts with your design. Use this step-by-step design guide to ensure your files meet the essential requirements for professional, high-quality printing.

📏 Design Dimensions & Bleed Guidelines

To avoid white borders and ensure full-bleed printing, always include 0.125” bleed on all sides of your design.

Final Trim Size	Design File Size (with Bleed)
3.95” x 5.95” Flyer	4” x 6”
4.95” x 6.95” Postcard	5” x 7”
3.5” x 2” Business Card	3.625” x 2.125”
5.95” x 8.95” EDDM Postcard	6” x 9”

✅ Keep all important text, logos, and images at least 0.125” inside the trim area for best results.

🎨 Color Mode & Image Resolution

For accurate color reproduction and crisp prints, follow these settings:

• Set to CMYK color mode (do not use RGB)
• Use 300 DPI resolution (minimum)
• Convert fonts to outlines or embed fonts
• Flatten images to avoid printing errors

💡 Pro Tip: Files in RGB may print with dull or incorrect colors. Always convert to CMYK before saving.

📂 Accepted File Formats

Submit your design files in one of the following high-resolution print-ready formats:

• ✅ PDF (best for print accuracy, convert all fonts to outlines)
• ✅ JPG (high quality only)
• ✅ TIFF (flattened images only)

🚫 Do not submit raw design files (PSD, AI, INDD) without exporting to a print-ready format.

⚠️ Avoid These Common Print File Mistakes

• No bleed or crop area
• Low-resolution images (under 300 DPI)
• Text placed too close to the edges
• RGB color mode instead of CMYK
• Incorrect file dimensions or proportions

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💬 Need Help Preparing Print Files?

Not sure if your file is print-ready? Our expert design team at Foiltek Printing is here to help! Contact us today for a free file/artwork review.

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Boost your brand with professional-quality print materials. Get started with Foiltek Printing—your trusted partner for flyer printing, postcard printing, business cards, EDDM marketing materials, and more.