Prepare Files in Photoshop & Illustrator for StationeryHQ
How to Prepare Print Files in Photoshop & Illustrator for StationeryHQ Orders (Step-by-Step)
If you want your designs to print flawlessly on StationeryHQ.com, your file setup matters just as much as your design.
This tutorial walks you through exactly how to create, export, and upload print-ready files using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.
🎯 What You’ll Learn
- Correct file setup (size, bleed, color)
- How to design safely for print
- How to export print-ready files
- How to upload and order on StationeryHQ
🧰 Part 1: Set Up Your File Correctly (CRITICAL)
Illustrator Setup (Best for Most Stationery)
- Open Illustrator → File → New
- Set the following:
- Size: e.g., 5” x 7” (or your product size)
- Bleed: 0.125” on all sides
- Color Mode: CMYK
- Raster Effects: 300 DPI
👉 Click “Create”
Photoshop Setup (For Image-Based Designs)
- Open Photoshop → File → New
- Set:
- Width/Height: final size + bleed
(Example: 5.25” x 7.25” for a 5x7 card) - Resolution: 300 DPI
- Color Mode: CMYK
✂️ Part 2: Understand Bleed, Trim, and Safe Area
This is where most mistakes happen.
Bleed (0.125”)
- Background colors/images must extend here
- Prevents white edges after cutting
Trim Line
- Final cut size (e.g., 5” x 7”)
Safe Area (0.25” inside trim)
- Keep all text/logos inside this area
👉 Rule:
Important content should never be near the edge
🎨 Part 3: Design for Print (Not Screen)
Use CMYK Colors
- RGB = screens
- CMYK = print
👉 Convert colors early to avoid surprises.
Avoid Super Thin Lines
- Minimum: 0.25 pt
- Thin lines may disappear when printed
Use High-Resolution Images
- Minimum: 300 DPI
- Avoid upscaling low-res images
Convert Fonts to Outlines (Illustrator)
- Select all text
- Go to Type → Create Outlines
👉 Prevents font issues during printing.
🖨 Part 4: Prepare Your File for Export
In Illustrator
- Go to File → Save As → PDF
- Choose:
- Preset: PDF/X-1a or Press Quality
- Under “Marks and Bleeds”:
- Check Use Document Bleed Settings
- Save
In Photoshop
- Go to File → Save As → Photoshop PDF
- Choose:
- High Quality Print
- Ensure:
- No layers (flatten if needed)
- Correct size with bleed
📦 Part 5: Upload to StationeryHQ
Once your file is ready:
- Go to StationeryHQ.com
- Select your product (cards, journals, etc.)
- Upload your PDF
- Review preview carefully
- Choose paper type and quantity
📄 Part 6: Choose the Right Paper
Paper dramatically affects your final product.
For Luxury Feel:
- Thick matte cardstock
- Textured stock
For Bold Colors:
- Smooth coated paper
👉 StationeryHQ offers premium options that elevate your design.
🔍 Part 7: Order a Sample First (Highly Recommended)
Before scaling:
- Order 1–2 samples
- Check color accuracy
- Review alignment and trim
👉 This avoids costly mistakes.
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use rich black (not flat black) for deep tones
- Add slight contrast boosts for print clarity
- Keep designs clean—print amplifies flaws
- Test different paper stocks
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting bleed
- Designing in RGB
- Not outlining fonts
- Low-resolution images
- Placing text too close to edges
- Skipping test prints
🚀 Workflow Summary
- Set up file (CMYK, bleed, 300 DPI)
- Design within safe areas
- Export as print-ready PDF
- Upload to StationeryHQ
- Order samples
- Scale your best designs
🎯 Who This Is For
Perfect for:
- Graphic designers
- Etsy sellers
- Shopify store owners
- Stationery brands
- Print-on-demand creators
🏁 Final Thoughts
A great design can still fail in print if your file isn’t set up correctly.
By following this workflow, you’ll:
- Avoid costly errors
- Produce professional-quality products
- Build a brand that feels premium
🚀 Ready to Print Your Designs?
With StationeryHQ.com, you can:
- Print premium stationery with ease
- Test designs with no minimums
- Scale your business profitably
👉 Upload your first design and see the difference.