How to Prepare Your Design Files for Perfect Print Results

Meta Description: Learn how to set up your design files for flawless print results with StationeryHQ — including bleed, color profiles, resolution, and export settings.

When you send your designs to print, you want them to look exactly as you envisioned. But even the most beautiful artwork can fall flat if the file isn’t prepared correctly.

At StationeryHQ.com, we’ve printed millions of products for professional designers — and we know that great results start with perfect file setup.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to preparing print-ready files.

🎨 1. Work in the Correct Color Mode

Always design in CMYK for print. RGB is perfect for screens, but it doesn’t translate to ink — colors can shift unexpectedly when printed.

Tip: Use our downloadable color profiles to get the most accurate results on our HP Indigo presses.

📏 2. Include Bleed and Safe Zones

Bleed ensures that your design extends past the edge of the finished product, preventing unwanted white borders.

Standard bleed: ⅛ inch (0.125") on all sides.
Keep text and important elements inside the safe zone, at least ⅛ inch from the trim edge.

🖼 3. Use the Right Resolution

For crisp, professional prints, set your resolution to 300 dpi at the final size.

Anything lower may look pixelated or blurry.
Upscaling low-res images usually won’t improve quality — start with high-resolution source files.

📂 4. Choose the Correct File Format

We recommend uploading PDFs with all fonts embedded or outlined.

For specialty finishes like foil or embossing, you may need separate spot color layers — see our foil stamping setup guide.
Avoid sending JPEGs unless your product specifically requires it.

✨ 5. Check for Specialty Finish Layers

If you’re ordering foil, embossing, or white ink printing, set up your spot color layers using our naming conventions. This ensures our presses recognize them correctly.

Example: Name your foil layer “Foil” and set it to 100% spot color.

🔍 6. Proof Before You Upload

Before sending your file to print:

Zoom in to 300% to check for typos, stray pixels, or unintended artifacts.
Use our online preview tools to see how your file will trim.

📦 7. Let StationeryHQ Handle the Rest

Once your files are print-ready, we take it from there. Our team prints, cuts, and ships your products with white-label branding so your clients only see your name.

🎯 Final Thoughts

File preparation might feel like a small detail, but it’s the difference between good and flawless. Follow these steps, and your products will consistently wow your clients and customers.

👉 Start your next project at StationeryHQ.com and see your designs come to life in print.

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