Home Resources
For best results, please follow these
guidelines when preparing your file for print.
Whether you're printing Business Cards, Postcards, Flyers, or any other flat product, use the following quick checklist to ensure the accuracy of your files.
Resolution: Make sure all elements are set to 300 to 350 dpi (unless otherwise stated). Images taken from the web tend to be low-resolution, which can result in blurry or pixelated prints.
Note: Due to possible cutting shifts, we do not recommend printing designs with borders. However, if your design contains a border, we recommend that it falls within the safe zone guidelines and extends to the edge of the bleed line.
File Orientation: Be sure to select the proper orientation on the order form to match the orientation of your files (horizontal or vertical). When uploading files, make sure that the right side of your "Front" file will align with the left side of your "Back" file when printed.
Files should be flattened, and fonts outlined. If your fonts are not outlined, a different font may be substituted in your document. To prevent these variations, outline all your fonts or save your files in JPG or TIF/TIFF file formats.
We accept the following file types: TIF, TIFF, EPS, AI, PSD, BMP, GIF, JPG, PNG, PDF.
Print files should be in CMYK mode unless otherwise stated. Please check the File Setup tab for each product for required color mode.
If you are submitting an AI file, please make sure the images within the file are properly embedded or linked.
Note, we do not print adult content (though art is accepted), copyrighted material, discriminatory material, FDA material, or money. All files are subject to approval. See terms for details.
Folded products have specific file requirements. Choose a product to learn more
For best results, please follow these guidelines when preparing your file for print.
The following files are accepted for printing: TIF, TIFF, EPS, AI, PSD, BMP, GIF, JPG, PNG, PDF. Any images should be at least 300 DPI. Files and fonts should be flattened and embedded for print accuracy. All files should also be in CMYK color mode unless stated otherwise.
First, you should check the accuracy of the contents on your files. Check for spelling, grammatical, and informational errors. Second, make sure your text is set to a legible size. Then, you should check to make sure all the images within your design are clear and meet the DPI requirements for printing. Always check the DPI rather than relying on your eye. Something that may look good on your screen isn’t necessarily going to print the same way. Digital screens require a much lower DPI to appear high quality.
Once you confirm all the steps from the previous question, then you’ll need to ensure that your design fits accordingly with the black bleed line, the pink trim line, and the blue safety line. Each product has its own template, which you can download directly from its respective order form (Templates Tab) and overlay on your own file to see where your design fits within the guidelines. Don’t forget to remove the template before saving and uploading your file. If you need more information, check out this helpful guide.
Print ready essentially means that your files have been checked and optimized for printing. You can confidently place an order with print-ready files.
On the order form of the product you plan to print, you can select the Process Type as 'Manually Processed PDF Proof' for a small additional fee. While we do not check your files for content/typographical errors, we will check to see if your files correctly set up for printing.
We accept multiple file formats for most of our print products, however the most popular and convenient file types are PDF, JPG, and PNG.
GotPrint is here to serve you with professional printing services and helpful guidelines for preparing your files for printing. Whether you're on the hunt for business card printing, brochure printing, postcard mailers, flyers in bulk, or any other marketing prints, we provide helpful and straightforward steps to ensure that your prints will turn out the way you had intended. The process of designing and printing marketing materials for your business should be an easy and pleasant experience, even if you don't have any expertise in the matter. As long as you follow all the steps to setting up your files, including checking content accuracy, element placement according to colored lines on templates, and the overall quality of your images for print, you'll be on your way to printing marketing materials with confidence. If you still aren't sure if your files are set up correctly, we conveniently offer a Manually Processed option for a small fee. Our team will review your files and provide you with a pdf proof to approve before printing. Count on us to assist you with all your professional printing and design needs!
