So you’re ready to get something printed? Maybe it’s a flyer for your big event, a slick new brochure, or some signage that’s going to make your brand pop. Whatever the project, you’ve designed it, you’re excited about it, and now you’re ready to send it off to us at High Resolutions.

Awesome! But before you hit “send,” let’s make sure your file is set up correctly. A few simple steps on your end can help us print your project faster, cleaner, and just the way you pictured it. Here’s your quick guide on how to prep your file for print.

1. Use the Right File Type

We work with a lot of different design programs, but not all file types are created equal. Here’s what we prefer:

  • PDF (.pdf)  – This is the gold standard for print files. It preserves your layout, fonts, images, and settings. Make sure you export your PDF with press quality settings and include bleed (more on that below).

  • Adobe Illustrator (.ai) – Great for logos, vector artwork, and designs that need to stay sharp at any size. Just be sure to outline your fonts and embed your images.

  • Adobe InDesign (.indd) – Perfect for multi-page documents like booklets and brochures. When sending an InDesign file, always package your file so all fonts and linked images are included.

If you’re using Canva, Photoshop, or another design platform, that’s okay too – just make sure to export a high-resolution PDF and double-check the dimensions and bleed.

2. Add Bleed – It’s Just 0.125”, But It’s a Big Deal

If your design includes any color, photo, or element that goes all the way to the edge of the page, you must include bleed. Bleed ensures that there won’t be a white border when your job is trimmed to final size.

Our standard bleed is 0.125 inches (⅛ inch) on all four sides. So for example:

  • If your final printed piece is 8.5″ x 11″, your file size (with bleed) should be 8.75″ x 11.25″.

  • Keep all critical text and logos at least 0.25″ inside the final trim line so they don’t get cut off (we call this the “safe zone”).

Most professional design software has a bleed setting when you create a new document or export a PDF. Be sure to set it from the start so nothing important gets chopped.

3. Outline Fonts and Embed Images

Fonts can be a little tricky—especially if we don’t have the exact one you used. To keep your text looking the way you designed it:

  • Outline all fonts in Illustrator or InDesign before sending the file.

  • Or, if you’re sending a packaged InDesign file, include the fonts folder.

  • And always embed (not just link) your images if possible. This prevents missing image issues on our end.

4. Double-Check Resolution

For sharp, professional print quality, your images and graphics should be at least 300 dpi (dots per inch). Low-res images might look fine on screen but can print blurry or pixelated – no bueno.

Quick tip: If you drag a photo from a website into your design, it’s probably 72 dpi. Use the highest resolution versions you have, and don’t stretch them beyond their original size.

5. Review Before You Send

Before sending your file, run through this short checklist:

  • Is the file type a high-res PDF, .ai, or .indd (with all files packaged)?

  • Does your file include a 0.125″ bleed on all sides?

  • Have you outlined fonts or included them in your package?

  • Are all images high resolution and embedded?

  • Did you keep text and logos within a safe margin?

Need Help? Just Ask.

We get it, not everyone is a print nerd like us. If you’re not sure about your file, send it anyway and we’ll take a look. Our prepress team is happy to give you feedback or help tweak things so it prints perfectly.

At High Resolutions, we’re all about making your brand look its best – on paper, on vinyl, on walls, or wherever your ideas take you.