How to Prep Your File for Print (Designers, This One’s for You)

When it’s time to bring your creative vision to life in print, the last thing you want is to hit a snag because of a missing bleed or a mismatched color profile. At RoyerComm, we know how much heart and precision goes into your design work, and we’re here to make sure that the print side of things supports, not stifles, your creativity.

Whether you’re a freelance designer, a creative director at a local agency, or a marketing pro juggling multiple brand assets, consider this your go-to guide to prep your files for print with a little help from the people who print it.

File Types: Start with the Right Format

We’ll always ask for what works best for production, but here’s a quick overview of what we recommend:

• PDF (Print-Ready): This is the gold standard. A properly exported PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 ensures fonts are embedded, images are flattened, and color profiles are consistent.
• Adobe Illustrator or InDesign Files: These work well, especially if we’re collaborating on the final touches. Just remember to package all fonts and linked images.
• High-Res TIFF or JPEG: These are acceptable for simple image-based prints, but not ideal for text-heavy or layered designs.

Don’t worry, if you’re not sure what to send, we’ll talk you through it.

Bleeds: Give Your Design Room to Breathe

We’ve all seen a trimmed piece with a sliver of white where color was meant to extend — and we want to help you avoid that.
 Standard bleed: 0.125” (⅛ inch) on all sides.
 This small detail makes a big difference and ensures your colors or images reach the edge, even after trimming.

Need a template with bleeds built in? Just ask. We’ll send you one tailored to your piece.

 Color Mode: CMYK is the Language of Print

While your screen sings in RGB, your printer speaks in CMYK. To avoid surprises when your project moves from screen to sheet:

• Convert all files to CMYK before exporting.
• Be cautious of neon and bright blues: they can look vivid on screen but don’t always translate the same in ink.

We’re happy to provide color proofs or discuss Pantone matching for brand-critical colors. Our goal is to stay true to your palette.

Resolution: Don’t Let Pixelation Undermine Your Design

For sharp, professional results, your images should be at 300 dpi (dots per inch) at actual print size.

Here’s a quick rule of thumb:

• Web graphics = 72 dpi → Too low for print.
• Print graphics = 300 dpi → Crisp and clean.

Not sure if your image is high enough quality? We’ll double-check and offer alternatives if needed.

Bonus Tip: Outline Your Fonts

Fonts can shift or go missing if they’re not embedded. One simple fix is to convert all fonts to outlines before sending the final file. Or, if you’re sending source files, be sure to include all font files in a packaged folder.

We want your typography to print exactly as you designed it… not “close enough.”

Partnering with Designers, Not Policing Them

At RoyerComm, we’re not here to redline your files or nitpick your work. We’re here to collaborate. Our job is to make your project look its best in print — with all the nuance, care, and attention to detail it deserves.

That means:

• Giving you real feedback when needed
• Helping troubleshoot issues before they become problems
• Respecting your vision every step of the way

When you work with RoyerComm, you get more than a printer. You get a trusted production partner who’s just as invested in the final result as you are.

Ready to Print Without the Headaches?

Let’s talk about your next project. Whether it’s business cards, folding cartons, or a full brand rollout, we’re here to help you bring it to life, beautifully and reliably.