Artwork Checking or Make a Print-Ready File

Our Basic File Check service/Artwork Check is perfect if you think your PDF file is press-ready but want it checked for common errors to ensure a quality outcome.

3 min. read

For your artwork, we need:

  • Supplied at 1:1 scale
  • 1-up per page, centered
  • High-resolution PDF files
  • 3mm external bleeds
  • 3mm internal margins
  • All fonts converted to outlines
  • Preferably vector-based images for content like text, logos, and line drawings
  • All images embedded and 300-600dpi or greater for best results (Do not upsample images)
  • All colours converted to CMYK process (not RGB)
  • For more detailed information and to avoid print delays, check file requirements outlined in our Artwork Guidlines.
If you are supplying PDF files and are not familiar with pre-press set-up we suggest that you always select our Basic File check serviceArtwork Check option

If you select My Artwork is Print Ready instead of this option, the files you upload will go straight to press without pre-press checks, and any artwork that fails to meet the required specifications may print incorrectly, at the fault of the artwork supplier.

Our file-check service is only available for artwork supplied as PDF files, which should be uploaded in press-ready format for checking.  Any files NOT supplied as PDF files will be considered at least a basic layout and will incur artwork charges.

If you need assistance with setting your artwork up as a press-ready PDF, or making updates to your files, our design team can assist with New Designs, Design Updates using your Adobe files, or Design Recreation from other file-types or images.

If you don't think your files are press-ready, it is best to select  a design option from the outset, to avoid this initial file-check cost, as design services will attract separate charges.


What we will check for:

  • That the artwork is the correct size
  • Correct Bleed is included in the file
  • Correct Internal Margins - no artwork is too close to the edge
  • Artwork is set to CMYK (unless PMS printing is being ordered)
  • Images used are at least 300dpi resolution
  • Fonts are outlined or embedded and will display correctly
  • Overprint is not used
  • Black colour rules have been adhered to
  • Pages are in the correct order
  • Folds will line up correctly with artwork
  • Border rules have been adhered to
  • Special finishes have been set up correctly

What we won't check for:

We will not check for anything else, including, but not restricted to the below:

  • Content or Layout
  • Spelling or Grammar
  • Contact details (web addresses, phone numbers, etc.)
  • If you have read our recommendations on the use of borders
  • Any Appearance, Attribute, Transparency settings (other than Overprint), that may have been set within your artwork by your designer.

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