Print-Ready Files: How to Prepare Your Artwork for Perfect Printing

Print-Ready Files: How to Prepare Your Artwork for Perfect Printing

When it comes to custom packaging or product print jobs, even a stunning design can fail if your file isn’t properly set up for print. A print-ready file ensures your packaging looks just as intended — crisp, clean, and without unexpected surprises.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of preparing your files, from CMYK colour setup to bleed margins, ensuring your final product is sharp, aligned, and professional.

What Is a Print-Ready File?

A print-ready file is a correctly formatted digital file that meets the technical requirements of a printing press. It eliminates the risk of:

• Fuzzy or low-res printing

• Misaligned folds

• Missing text or fonts

• Colour mismatches

Whether you’re printing luxury rigid boxes, mailers, or paper bags, properly prepped artwork is key.

1. Convert Colours to CMYK (Not RGB)

Printers use CMYK inks, not RGB light. RGB is for digital screens and can look completely different when printed. If your file is left in RGB mode, colours may print inaccurately.

Always convert your document to CMYK before export.

2. Use 300 DPI Resolution for Sharp Results

Images and artwork need to be at least 300 DPI (dots per inch). Web images (72 DPI) will print pixelated or blurry.
This is especially important for:

• Logo printing

• Detailed textures

• Product photos

3. Include Bleed, Trim & Safe Zone

Packaging designs that go to the edge must include a 3mm bleed area on all sides. Without it, your box might end up with unwanted white edges.

Here’s what is bleed in printing:

• Bleed: Extends the design beyond the cut area (3mm)

• Trim Line: Final cut line

• Safe Zone: Keep all text/logos inside this area

4. Outline Fonts or Embed Them

If the font used in your design isn’t embedded or outlined, it may change when opened on another system. This can break your layout.

In Adobe Illustrator:

• Select text

• Go to Type > Create Outlines

5. Save in the Right File Format

Not all file types are equal for printing.

Best formats:

• PDF (with bleed, layers, embedded fonts)

• AI or EPS (for vector designs)

• PSD (flattened layers if needed)

Avoid JPEG or PNG for final artwork unless specified — they can lose quality.

6. Link or Embed Images Properly

If you’re submitting AI or INDD files, all linked images must be included in your folder. Better yet, embed images to avoid missing assets.

Double-check resolution: all embedded images should also be 300 DPI and CMYK.

7. Folding Lines, Glue Areas & Dielines

If you’re working on packaging box templates, your artwork should match the dieline exactly.

Make sure:

• All folding lines are clearly marked (usually dotted lines)

• No text or logos are placed over folds or glue flaps

• Artwork aligns across folds for seamless packaging

8. Final Pre-Flight Checklist

Before submitting your file:

• Converted to CMYK

• 300 DPI resolution

• Fonts outlined/embedded

• Bleed added (3mm)

• Text inside safe zone

• File saved as PDF with bleed

• Images linked or embedded

• Dieline followed correctly

Why It Matters for Packaging

Getting your artwork print-ready avoids expensive mistakes. Imagine 1,000 printed reverse tuck end boxes with a misaligned logo — that’s a major cost to your business. A perfect print-ready file means:

• Better brand reputation

• Professional product presentation

• On-time delivery with no reprints