Prepare Your Artwork for Better Printing Results

Good artwork preparation helps reduce errors and improves the clarity of printed products. Before uploading a photograph, logo, illustration or design, review the following guidelines.

Image Quality

Use the highest-quality original image available. Low-resolution images may appear blurry or pixelated when printed at larger sizes.

For photographs and raster artwork, a resolution of approximately 300 DPI at the final print size is a useful starting point for detailed print work. The appropriate resolution may vary depending on the product and viewing distance.

File Formats

Accepted formats depend on the selected product and upload system. Common print artwork formats include PDF, PNG, JPG and other supported formats.

For vector artwork, use a suitable vector file format when the product supports it. Check the product instructions before uploading.

Dimensions and Orientation

Set the artwork to the required product dimensions and confirm whether the design should be portrait, landscape or square.

For custom sizes, confirm the dimensions before preparing the final file.

Bleed and Safe Margins

For products requiring trimming, extend background artwork into the required bleed area and keep important text, logos and design elements within the safe margin.

The exact bleed and margin requirements depend on the product and production method.

Fonts and Text

Where appropriate, embed fonts in PDFs or convert text to outlines in vector artwork. Check spelling, alignment, text size and language before submitting the file.

Colour Considerations

Digital displays and printed materials may reproduce colours differently. If exact colour matching is important, communicate the requirement before production and confirm whether a suitable proofing option is available.

Logos and Brand Artwork

Provide clear logo files and ensure you have permission to use the supplied artwork. Avoid screenshots or compressed images when a higher-quality original file is available.

Before You Upload

Use this checklist:

• Correct product dimensions.
• Suitable image resolution.
• Supported file format.
• Correct text and spelling.
• Proper orientation.
• Adequate safe margins.
• Approved artwork and usage rights.

For complex artwork or large signage projects, confirm the file specifications with the Mindcraftz team before ordering.