Confirm dimensions and bleed with your printer
Before any file is finalised, ask your printer for the exact finished dimensions of your piece. Confirm both the finished size and the artwork dimensions, including any bleed or production marks requested by the supplier. Provide the printer with your intended dimensions and let them confirm whether adjustments are needed before design work begins.
Bleed is the extra artwork that extends beyond the trim edge to avoid white borders after cutting. Ask your printer how much bleed they require and where the trim line sits. Do not assume a universal bleed size; the printer confirms the specification, and the designer should extend background colours and images to meet that requirement.
- Ask the printer for the exact finished trim dimensions
- Confirm the required bleed measurement and trim line position
- Extend background elements to the bleed edge, not the trim edge
- Keep critical text and logos inside the safe area
Understand safe area and colour profile
The safe area is the zone within the trim edge where essential content such as text, logos and key graphics must sit. Content placed too close to the edge risks being trimmed off or appearing cramped. Request the safe area measurement from your printer and instruct the designer to keep all vital elements inside it.
Colour profile determines how colours are reproduced on paper. Printers typically work in CMYK rather than screen-based RGB, and each printer may have a preferred ICC profile. Ask the printer which colour profile they require and whether they expect files to be converted before submission or if they will handle conversion in-house.
- Request the safe area measurement from the printer
- Keep all essential content inside the safe area
- Ask which colour profile the printer requires
- Confirm whether the printer converts RGB to CMYK or expects pre-converted files
Check image resolution at actual size
Image resolution must be sufficient at the size the artwork will actually be printed. A file that looks sharp on screen can appear pixelated when printed if the resolution is too low for the output size. Ask the printer what resolution they require at actual print size, and ensure every raster image in the artwork meets that standard.
Resolution requirements differ depending on the print method and the final size of the piece. Rather than applying a single number across the board, confirm the printer's specification and verify each image individually. Low-resolution images should be replaced or recreated before the file is sent to print.
- Ask the printer for the required resolution at actual print size
- Verify every raster image meets the resolution requirement
- Replace or recreate any images that fall short
- Check resolution at the final output size, not the on-screen size
Request a PDF proof and confirm dielines
A PDF proof gives you a chance to review the artwork before it goes to print. Ask the printer whether they supply a proof and what format it takes. Review the proof carefully for layout, text, colour and image placement, and flag any issues before approval. Confirm the approval deadline and the process for requesting corrections before production starts.
Dielines are the template outlines that show where a piece will be cut, folded or creased. If your artwork involves a folded brochure, box or custom-shaped item, the printer should provide the dieline. The designer places content against the dieline, and you should confirm the dieline matches the intended final shape before proceeding.
- Ask whether the printer supplies a PDF proof
- Review the proof for layout, text, colour and image placement
- Request the dieline for any folded or custom-shaped items
- Confirm the dieline matches the intended final shape
Sign off and hand over the final file
Signoff is the formal approval that the artwork is correct and ready for print. Once signed off, changes are usually not possible without additional cost or delay. Ask the printer how they expect signoff to be recorded and whether they require a signed proof or an email confirmation before printing begins.
Handover involves delivering the final approved file to the printer in the format they require. Confirm the file format, naming convention and delivery method with the printer. Keep a copy of the approved file and the signoff record for your own records, and note any printer-specific instructions that apply to your job.
- Confirm how the printer expects signoff to be recorded
- Deliver the final file in the format the printer requires
- Follow the printer's naming convention and delivery method
- Keep a copy of the approved file and signoff record
Your working checklist
- Ask the printer for finished dimensions, bleed and safe area measurements
- Confirm the required colour profile and whether conversion is needed
- Verify image resolution at actual print size for every raster image
- Request and review a PDF proof before approving
- Obtain the dieline for any folded or custom-shaped items
- Confirm the printer's signoff process and file delivery requirements
- Keep a copy of the approved file and signoff record
Questions worth asking
Do I need to convert my files to CMYK myself?
Ask the printer whether they require pre-converted CMYK files or if they will convert RGB files in-house. Do not assume a universal process; the printer confirms the specification for your job.
What happens if I spot an error after signoff?
Changes after signoff usually incur additional cost or delay. Review the PDF proof carefully before approving, and flag any issues while the printer still accepts amendments.
Do all printed items need a dieline?
Dielines are needed for items with cuts, folds or creases such as brochures, boxes and custom shapes. Simple flat prints may not require one; ask the printer whether your item needs a dieline.
Make the next conversation concrete.
Bring the questions this page raises, the materials you already have and the decisions you need help making. The brief planner turns those starting points into a document you can review and share.
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