Frequently Asked Questions About Print-Ready Design Files
By Diana Mocanu, PRINTCO SRL, Romania
Print-ready. It sounds straightforward, doesn’t it?
But if you’ve ever sent a design file to a printer and received a polite (or not-so-polite) “This isn’t print-ready,” then you know—it’s one of those terms that hides a lot of details. And those details can make or break your timeline, your budget, and the final result.
At PRINTCO SRL here in Romania, we receive all kinds of files from all kinds of clients—from seasoned designers to entrepreneurs just figuring things out. Over time, we’ve noticed that the same questions keep coming up. So I thought it might be helpful to answer some of the most common ones in one place.
Not too technical, but practical. Think of this as a behind-the-scenes chat before you hit “send.”
1. What exactly does “print-ready” mean?
In the simplest terms, a print-ready file is a digital design that meets all the technical specifications needed to produce a high-quality print. That includes:
Correct dimensions (matching the product size, plus bleed)
High-resolution images (usually 300 dpi)
CMYK color mode (not RGB)
Embedded fonts or outlined text
Proper file format (typically PDF, AI, or EPS)
If a file checks all those boxes, it's probably in good shape. But “probably” is doing a lot of work there—each print job might have its own quirks.
2. What’s a “bleed” and do I really need it?
Yes, you need it. Really.
Bleed is the extra space around the edge of your design that allows for slight trimming variations. If your design runs right to the edge of the page (say, a background color), we extend it beyond the final cut line by about 3 mm (sometimes more, depending on the project). This way, there won’t be any accidental white edges.
Think of bleed as insurance. You hope you don’t need it, but you’ll be glad you had it.
3. Why can’t I just use RGB colors? They look better on screen.
This one’s a classic.
RGB is for screens—phones, laptops, websites. It uses red, green, and blue light to create color. CMYK is for printing—cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. They’re not interchangeable.
If you design in RGB, the colors might look bright and vibrant on your screen but shift dramatically in print. Some neon hues, for example, don’t even exist in CMYK. So when you send an RGB file, we have to convert it… and that can lead to disappointment.
Design in CMYK from the start if you can. Or at least preview your file in CMYK mode before finalizing.
4. Do I have to embed or outline fonts? Isn’t it fine the way it is?
Not embedding or outlining fonts is one of the most common mistakes—and it can ruin a print job.
If your file references a font that we don’t have, our system might substitute it with something else. That can shift the layout, break the text, or just look off. Embedding the font ensures it prints as intended. Outlining it (converting it to shapes) is another safe option, especially for logos or headers.
Once text is outlined, though, it’s no longer editable—so save a copy before you do this step.
5. What file format should I use? Can I just send a JPEG?
We prefer PDFs. They’re stable, compact, and preserve layout and vector data well. If you're using Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, or another professional design tool, exporting a press-ready PDF is usually a safe bet.
JPEGs are fine for photos, but not for print layouts. They’re compressed and may lose quality. PNGs? Even worse—great for screens, terrible for print. AI or EPS files can be acceptable too, especially for logos or vector artwork.
We always review files before production, but clean, well-prepared PDFs save everyone time.
6. Why does the printed color look different from my screen?
This can be frustrating, especially when you’ve labored over every detail.
The short version: screens emit light. Paper reflects it. Every screen is calibrated differently, and even glossy vs. matte paper can affect the final color.
For color-critical jobs, we recommend requesting a physical proof. It’s the only way to really know what you’re going to get.
We had one client launching a skincare line whose digital blue looked completely different in person—too green on matte, too purple on coated stock. A few printed tests helped us land exactly where they needed to be. It took a little longer, but it was worth it.
7. Can I use images I found online? They look good to me.
Short answer: probably not.
Images pulled from the internet are usually low resolution (72 dpi) and optimized for screen—not print. They may look okay on your monitor but turn out pixelated and blurry on paper.
Always use high-resolution images—300 dpi at actual size is the industry standard. And be sure you have the rights to use them.
8. What if I’m not a designer? Can someone help me prepare the file?
Absolutely. In fact, this happens all the time. At PRINTCO SRL, we often support clients—especially small businesses—who have a vision but need help translating it into a technical file that works for print.
We’d rather spend a bit of time upfront helping you get it right than go through costly reprints later.
The Bigger Picture
Preparing print-ready files might sound tedious, and honestly, sometimes it is. But it’s also the foundation of quality. The packaging might be beautiful in theory, but unless the files are accurate, sharp, and production-friendly, the final result can fall flat.
As a print and packaging company proud to be nominated for the 2025 Go Global Awards, which will take place this November in London and be hosted by the International Trade Council, we see our work as more than just production. It’s a craft. It’s a collaboration. And events like these remind us that even the smallest details—like bleed lines and embedded fonts—are part of a bigger global conversation around excellence, creativity, and precision.
So, the next time you send a file to your printer, take a breath. Check it twice. Ask questions. Or just ask for help.
Because when your packaging looks exactly how you imagined it? That’s a win worth preparing for.