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How to send artwork to a printer
A practical checklist for preparing, checking and sending files, so your printer has what they need.
Start with the printer’s specifiation
Ask for the artwork guide or template before you begin. Requirements can vary by product, paper, printing process and finishing.
01
Confirm what they need
A few questions now can save a lot of reworking later.
| Ask about | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Finished size and format | Dimensions, orientation, page count and single pages or spreads |
| Bleed & safe margins | Required bleed, safe area and any fold or binding allowance |
| Colour & image quality | Colour profile, spot colours and image resolution |
| File & finishing requirements | PDF preset, crop marks and any supplied templates |
02
Check the artwok itself
Size, bleed and margins match the specification
Images are sharp at their final placed size
Names, dates, prices and contact details are correct
Fonts, links, and page order have been checked
03
Export a print-ready PDF
Use the PDF preset and colour settings requested by your printer.
InDesign
Export as Adobe PDF (Print). Apply the agreed preset and bleed settings. Export single pages unless spreads are requested.
Photoshop
Keep your layered original. Use the format your printer requests and check the final dimensions, bleed and output settings.
04
Send a file they can identify
Ue the printer’s upload portal or their preferred transfer method. Send the file with a clear job reference.
summer_fair_A5_front_back_final.pdf
Include the job details
Order reference, quality, finished size, paper choice, sides, finishing and agreed deadline.
Make the handover clear
Identify rhe approved file. If you replace it, tell the printer which version is supersedes.
05
Check and approve the proof
Open the exported PDF yourself before uploading, then review the printer’s proof carefully.
Check every page and both sides
Confirm orientation and page order
Look for missing text or changed line breaks
Check important colour decisions with a suitable proof
An on-screen proof can help check content and layout. It cannot agree the final print colour.
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