DESIGN · PRINT · REFERENCE

Print Quick‑Reference Guide

Every designer needs a cheat sheet. This concise, printable guide covers DPI, color modes, bleed, paper sizes, and file formats — so you never have to Google them again.

printReference Cards

Resolution (DPI)

300 DPI – Professional print (flyers, brochures)
150‑200 DPI – Large format posters
72 DPI – Web only; do not use for print

Color Mode

Design in RGB but convert to CMYK before export. RGB colors can look dull when printed if not converted.

Tip: Use sRGB for digital, Fogra39 for coated paper.

Best File Formats

PDF – Universal, preserves layout
TIFF – High quality, lossless
EPS – Vectors, logos
AI / PSD – Source files (include fonts)

✂️ Bleed, Trim & Safe Zone

Bleed3 mm (0.125 in)
Extend artwork here

TrimFinal size
Where the paper is cut

Safe Zone5 mm inside trim
Keep important text here

📏 Common ISO Paper Sizes

A4210 × 297 mm

A3297 × 420 mm

A5148 × 210 mm

DL99 × 210 mm

US sizes: Letter (8.5×11 in), Legal (8.5×14 in), Tabloid (11×17 in).

Typography Tips

Min font size: 8 pt for legibility
Body text: 10‑12 pt
Line spacing: 120‑145% of font size
Fonts: Embed or outline when sending files

⚠️ Common Print Mistakes

❌ Low resolution images (use 300 DPI)
❌ RGB color mode (convert to CMYK)
❌ No bleed (add 3 mm on each side)
❌ Text too close to edge (keep 5 mm safe)
❌ Wrong paper size (confirm with printer)

✅ Pre‑Print Checklist

✔️ 300 DPI images
✔️ CMYK color profile
✔️ 3 mm bleed added
✔️ Fonts embedded or outlined
✔️ PDF/X‑1a standard (if available)
✔️ Spell‑check completed

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Ready to put this into practice?

Now that you've got the cheat sheet, use our free tools to prepare your images perfectly for print or web.

straightenPrint Size Chart photo_filterChange DPI (72‑150) tuneDPI Converter (200‑600)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need bleed for printing? expand_more

Bleed ensures that when the paper is trimmed, no white edges appear. The artwork extends 3 mm past the trim line so that minor cutting variations are hidden.

Can I just send a Word file to the printer? expand_more

It's not recommended. Word files lack colour management, bleed, and can shift layout. Always export to PDF with proper settings.

What's the difference between DPI and PPI? expand_more

DPI (dots per inch) is a print term for ink dots. PPI (pixels per inch) is for digital images. In practice, they are used interchangeably for resolution settings.

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