Check Artwork / Make Print Ready

Our file check service is perfect if you think you have set up your PDF file to be press-ready, but would like it checked for common errors to ensure a quality outcome.  

If you are supplying PDF files and are not familiar with pre-press set-up we suggest that you always select this 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. For information on artwork requirements and how to turn your file into a PDF click here. Any files NOT supplied as PDF files will be considered at least a basic layout and will incur artwork charges. Our design team are here to help if you need. 

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, or Design Updates using your Adobe Illustrator files. If you don't think your files are press-ready, it is best to select these options from the outset, to avoid this initial file-check cost. 


What we will check for

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

What we will let you know about or fix

  • check
    If your file is press-ready, we will put it to press and advise you via email. 
  • check
    If your file has no bleed, and has solid colours to the edge, with no other issues, we will apply "auto-bleed & trim marks" and send you a pdf proof for sign-off. Note if your background is not one solid colour, and you need our team to add bleed, an artwork update will be required, and design fees will apply. 
  • check
    If your file has correct bleed but no trim marks, and no other issues, we will add trim marks and send you a pdf proof for sign-off.  
  • check
    If anything else outlined above is not correct we will advise you via email, avoiding the possible requirement and cost of a reprint. If you supply a new file, you can again select press-ready and send straight to press, or request a file check and our team can check it again for you. You can also select to send your design files to our team to fix for you (artwork fees apply). 

What we will not 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 etc settings (other than Overprint), that may have been set within your artwork by your designer.
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