What constitutes as print-ready artwork?

This may well vary from printer to printer, but for us, we would like the following:

  • A PDF document, ideally based on the PDF/X-1a standard, otherwise using 'Commercial Press' or the highest quality print setting that your software allows. You may need to open an Options or Settings window to select a higher option.
  • Individual pages, not spreads/pairs (we will impose your file accordingly).
  • Pages in logical sequence (1,2,3... or front cover, inside front cover, text page 1...).
  • Artwork at the correct size that will not require scaling or dare we day it, squashing to fit.
  • Include 3mm of bleed. If your project is to be folded/perforated/other form of critical finishing, you can extend the bleed area further to show any relevant marks BEYOND the 3mm bleed area.
  • Ideally include crop/trim marks if your software allows. These should be offset by 3mm (any closer to the page edge and it defeats the object of bleed).

If you do not supply your artwork as requested, there will be a minimum charge of £20 (+VAT) to fix your file. If you are unsure, you can select the Fix option when ordering.

These settings/controls are present in many software packages, although not always easy to locate. Some design programs, such as Adobe InDesign, will also allow you to save these settings as a Preset for future use (name it 'Prints Regent' for example). You can also import our setting file which you can download here.

We like to keep our in-house studio software up-to-date. We will be running the latest version of Abode Creative Cloud, Office 365 and Apple's Pages, Keynote and Numbers. We also have QuarkXPress 2021. If you are using Canva, please supply a PDF and do let us know that's what you've used. We have experienced some abnormalities with Canva PDFs, and while we can work around them, it would be appreciated if you can warn us first as these glitches are not always visible in the PDF.

For express turnarounds, we will endeavour to produce the best possible result from the file(s) supplied to us. We will not proof the file to you first, but go straight to print due to the time-sensitive nature of the work. We accept no liability for font substitution, text reflow, or any other discrepancies as a result of not supplying your file(s) in the way we have requested. Please ensure we have received both your order AND your artwork files by 4pm to qualify for next-working-day services where applicable.

Artwork can be uploaded here.