Information on preparing print files

To create a smooth design process and a excellent end result To achieve this, there are a few points that need to be taken into account. We want to make preparing your print files as easy as possible for you and show you, What you should look out for.

Two screens on a desk showing a graphics programme and information on preparing print files

Basic requirements

File formats

Recommended: PDF (PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4)
Accepted file formats: JPG, TIF, AI, EPS
Office documents: Word, PowerPoint or Publisher files should be converted to PDF beforehand. Open files must be submitted with all links and fonts included.

Find out more about the Embedding fonts in Word.

Colour space & colour profile

Colour mode: Print data in CMYK or greyscale mode
Please bear in mind that, even with the same colour values, different types of paper can still result in slight colour variations.

Colour profiles: For coated papers, please use PSO Coated v3 (based on FOGRA51); for uncoated papers, please use PSO Uncoated v3 (based on FOGRA52).

Trim & bleed

Bleed: At least 2 mm all round to avoid white borders.
Safety distance: Important content should be at least 2 mm from the edge.

Resolution

Recommended resolution: 300 dpi for razor-sharp print results. Low-resolution images (e.g. web graphics at 72 dpi) may appear blurred when printed.

Find out more about the Image resolutions for printed materials.

Information and downloads

Make use of our handy Downloads containing print data requirements and guidelines for creating error-free print files. Our templates and instructions help you to avoid common mistakes and ensure a smooth production process. Whether you custom shapes, selective UV varnishing or special 3D effects whatever you’d like to create – with our resources, you can produce professional print files. This saves you time, reduce correction loops and receive a perfect print results.

Tip: Further print specifications on the product page

The required Print data information You can find the relevant information for your chosen product in the download section at the bottom of the respective product page (under the ‘Data Preparation’ tab).

General information on preparing print files
Information on data preparation, image resolution, colour and colour profiles.

Partial UV varnish
Everything you need to know about preparing print files for selective UV varnishing.

Partial, white (back) printing
For signs and transparent adhesive films.

Contour-cut signs
Preparing print files for custom-shaped signs.

Signs for public spaces
All requirements for the assembly of signs.

Special perforation for signs
Guidance on creating custom perforations for signs.

Die-cut adhesive films/stickers
Pre-press preparation for adhesive films and custom-shaped stickers.

Refined labels
Guidance on designing areas for finishing on labels.

Die-cut labels
Preparing print data for custom-shaped labels.

Contour-cut plotter films
Instructions for creating the outline for plotter films.

Finished packaging
Guidance on designing areas for finishing on packaging.

Embossing
All requirements for creating an embossed design.

White printing on textiles
Guidelines for creating white-print designs on textiles

3D varnish and coloured film
For finishing touches on items such as business cards.

Mailing address details
Tips for addressing your mailings perfectly.

‘Printed in Austria’ certificate
Useful information about the ‘Printed in Austria’ certificate.

Creasing and punching products
Instructions for custom die-cut and creased cardboard products.

Hemstitch
Information on creating hem allowances for banners

Print data creation with MS Word
Embed fonts, save PDF from Word

Image resolutions for printed materials
Guidelines for image resolutions

Creating perfect print files – how to ensure flawless printing

To ensure that your Top-quality printed products is the correct preparation of print data crucial. From the choice of correct file format on the optimal Resolution right down to the exact Colour profile settings – there are a few important Criteria to bear in mind, when it comes to achieving the perfect end result. A precise Bleed as well as compliance with the Safety distance prevent unwanted white margins and ensure that no important content is cut off. Take the time to pay attention to the basic requirements, to create a flawless printed product to hold in your hands.

What you need to bear in mind regarding your print files

Before you upload your print files, please check this short checklist:

  • File format: PDF or JPG, TIF, AI, EPS
  • Colour space: CMYK or greyscale model
  • Bleed: at least 2 mm all round
  • Safety distance: 2 mm from the edge
  • Resolution: ideally 300 dpi

Tip: Create print files using AI

Would you like to create your print files even more quickly and easily? On our blog, we show you how AI tools can help you do just that.

Discover AI tools for creating print files

Which programmes are best suited for creating print files, and which are less so?

As not all programmes are equally suitable for creating print files, we’ll show you which ones you should use and which ones you can do without. Programmes such as PowerPoint, Publisher, Word, Excel etc. should be best avoided, when it comes to creating professional publications. People often make mistakes with colour and font handling. If you really must use these programmes, generate a print-ready PDF using Acrobat Distiller – that way, almost nothing can go wrong.

Particularly good and practical The following systems are therefore available for creating your print files:

  • Adobe InDesign
  • Quark Xpress
  • Corel Draw
  • Freehand
  • and more ...

What do I need to bear in mind when preparing print files for clothing?

To achieve a perfect result when printing on clothing, you should bear the following criteria in mind:

  • Ensure a resolution of at least 300 dpi
  • It is important to use lines that are sufficiently thick
  • Ensure that white or transparent areas are set up correctly
  • Please use the appropriate print templates to ensure your design is positioned correctly
  • For optimal finishing, please select suitable file formats such as PDF, AI or EPS

You can find all our tips in our blog post on Pre-press preparation for textiles.

Errors when preparing print files – and how to avoid them

As well as errors in standard products, mistakes often occur with more complex print jobs, such as multi-page documents. To help you correct errors before exporting the print data – or, ideally, avoid them altogether – we have summarised the most common errors for you. In our Blog post on the most common mistakes when preparing print files You can find these here. 

Graphic designer in your office

Need some professional help? No problem!

Don’t want to create your print files yourself, or are you struggling with the design? No need to worry. Our Partner graphic design studios We’re happy to help you bring your ideas to life professionally – reliably, creatively and tailored precisely to your desired product.

Find a graphic design studio

FAQs on preparing print files

Yes, on every product page – directly below the product selection – you’ll find suitable templates for creating your print files in the ‘Data Preparation’ tab. These are optimally tailored to the respective product and compatible with all standard graphics programmes.

  • Avoid hairline strokes, as these are printed at varying thicknesses on printers with different screen rulings.
  • Font embedding: embed all fonts into the PDF
  • Avoid spot colours and RGB images at all costs (convert to CMYK beforehand)
  • When submitting preview PDFs, please name the files accordingly; e.g.: (Flyer_preview.pdf / Flyer_print.pdf)

If you wish to amend your print data for an existing order, please click here or call our Contact form on.

Please note that your requested delivery date may be delayed as a result of this enquiry. 

To upload your print files up to 30 days after placing your order, please follow these steps:

  1. Select a product: Choose the product you want on the website.
  2. Start the ordering process: Begin the ordering process and select the option ‘Upload data later’.
  3. Complete your order: Complete your order.
  4. Receive an information email: Once you have completed your order, you will receive an email with information on how to upload your files later.
  5. Complete: Upload print files and receive your order.

Please note: As soon as you submit your print files to us, you will receive an official order confirmation stating the actual delivery date. You will also receive a weekly email reminder to submit your print files.