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Printing Help
Print it right the first time
Printing Help: The Complete Guide
Everything you need to go from idea to press-ready files — paper, finishes, bleeds, color, proofing, mailing, and more. Trusted by thousands of teams since 1996. Print it right with Bargain Printing.
Press-Ready Specs
• Color: CMYK / PMS
• Bleed: 0.125" all sides
• Safe Zone: 0.125" inside trim
• Images: 300 DPI (200–240 DPI posters)
1) File Setup Basics
CMYK (not RGB)
Design and export in CMYK for accurate print color. PMS spot colors are fine — include swatch names.
300 DPI Resolution
Use images at 300 DPI at final size (posters can be 200–240 DPI if viewed at distance). Vector logos scale best.
Bleed & Safe Zone
- Bleed: 0.125" each side (e.g., 4×6 = 4.25×6.25)
- Safe: keep content at least 0.125" inside trim
Fonts & Blacks
- Outline or embed fonts
- Body black: 100K; Rich black (fills): C60 M40 Y40 K100
2) Paper Stocks, Weights & Finishes
Text vs. Cover
Text = lighter (brochures). Cover = heavier (cards). Choose based on durability and feel.
Coated (Gloss/Matte/Satin)
Sharper images; gloss is high-shine, matte/satin reduces glare and fingerprints.
Uncoated / Natural
Writable, elegant; slightly softer color. Great for Natural Postcards.
Specialty
Linen (texture), Kraft (rustic), Pearl (shimmer), Suede/Velvet (soft-touch).
3) Premium Finishes & Effects
Suede / Velvet
Soft-touch laminate on 16pt (~19pt total). Luxe feel for cards.
Spot UV
Selective high-gloss to accent logos and headlines.
Foil
Metallic accents (gold, silver, copper, rose gold).
Metallic / Akuafoil
Shimmering full-color over a metallic base.
Pearl
Pearlescent sheet adds refined shimmer.
Kraft & Natural
Eco-friendly look; white ink available on kraft.
Edge-Painted
Color on the edges for thick card stocks.
4) Printing Methods
Digital
Fast, economical for short runs; great for variable data and quick turn-arounds.
Offset
Best unit cost at higher volumes; excellent color fidelity; supports PMS and specialty inks.
5) Folding, Scoring, Binding & Edge Options
- Folds: Half, tri-fold, Z-fold, gate, roll. Score heavy cover stocks before folding.
- Bindings: Saddle stitch, perfect bound, spiral — choose by page count & budget.
- Cards: Score in half for greeting cards; add slits for gift cards (Gift-Holder Greeting Cards).
6) Proofing, Preflight & Color Accuracy
Preflight Checklist
- CMYK or PMS; images 300 DPI
- Correct size with 0.125" bleed
- Fonts outlined/embedded; content in safe zone
- Spot UV/foil masks on 100% K vector layers
- Text black = 100K; large fills = rich black
Proof Types
- PDF Proof (standard): Confirms layout/content.
- Hard Proof (optional): For color-critical jobs.
Tip: Expect minor CMYK variance; for strict branding, provide PMS values or request a hard proof.
7) Direct Mail & USPS Basics
- Common Postcard Sizes: 4×6, 5×7 | 6×9, 6×11 (EDDM-friendly).
- Address / Barcode Zone: Leave space; keep coatings light where inkjetting applies.
- EDDM: Great for local saturation; verify routes and indicia placement.
See Standard Postcards and EDDM Postcards.
8) Exporting Press-Ready PDFs
Adobe InDesign
- File / Export / Adobe PDF (Print)
- Preset: PDF High Quality Print
- Marks & Bleeds: Use Document Bleed (0.125")
- Output: Convert to Destination (CMYK)
Adobe Illustrator
- File / Save As / PDF, preset PDF/X-1a
- Set bleeds 0.125" all sides; outline or embed fonts
Canva
- Share / Download / PDF Print
- Check Crop marks and bleed; CMYK if available
9) Exporting Press-Ready PDFs from Canva
Get perfect results from Canva — use these export steps, settings, and quick fixes for print-ready PDFs.
A) Guided Export (5 Steps)
- Click Share / Download.
- Choose File type / PDF Print.
- Check Crop marks & bleed.
- Select CMYK / Print profile if available.
- Download and review the PDF before uploading.
 Turn on File / View settings / Show print bleed while designing.
B) Settings to Use
- Bleed: Extend art 0.125" (3 mm) past trim.
- Safe Zone: Keep text 0.125–0.25" inside trim.
- Images: 300 DPI minimum (posters ok at 240).
- Color: Stick to CMYK-safe hues; avoid neons.
- Fonts: Use Canva fonts for proper embedding.
- Effects: Simplify transparencies before export.
C) Quick Fixes
- White edges? Add bleed and check "Crop marks & bleed."
- Colors off? Enable CMYK/Print profile; avoid bright RGB hues.
- Blurry images? Replace with 300 DPI images at full size.
- Font changes? Use Canva-native fonts and export as PDF Print.
10) Troubleshooting: Common Issues & Fixes
Colors look dull: file was RGB - convert to CMYK; avoid neon-like hues.
Text near edge: keep critical content - 0.125" inside trim.
Hairlines vanish: increase strokes to 0.25 pt; avoid
1% tints.
Cracking on folds: score thick stocks; prefer matte/silk for heavy ink.
Banding/artifacts: export high-quality PDF/X; avoid low-res gradients.
Spot UV/foil misalign: use vector masks; align precisely over artwork.
11) Printing FAQ
What file format should I upload?
PDF (High Quality Print). We also accept AI, PSD, JPG, PNG and preflight for you.
Do you provide proofs?
Yes — PDF proofs are standard. Hard proofs available for color-critical work.
What's the turnaround?
Most products ship in 3–5 business days after proof approval; rush options when available.
Can you help with design?
Absolutely. Choose a design package or ask for free file setup guidance.
12) Glossary (Quick Reference)
- Bleed: art extends past trim to avoid white edges.
- CMYK: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black — print color model.
- DPI: Dots per inch; image resolution.
- Rich Black: CMYK mix for deep black areas.
- Safe Zone: area inside trim for critical content.
- Score: crease for clean folds on thick stocks.
- Spot UV: gloss effect applied selectively.
- PMS (Pantone): standardized spot color system.
- C2S: coated 2 sides (gloss/satin/matte).
- EDDM: Every Door Direct Mail (USPS program).
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