Sending a PDF to a print shop requires specific technical settings that differ from a regular on-screen PDF. Bleed areas, trim marks, embedded fonts, CMYK color mode, and high-resolution images are all critical for professional-quality prints.
What Makes a PDF Print-Ready?
A print-ready PDF has specific technical requirements: images at 300 DPI or higher, fonts fully embedded (not just referenced), CMYK color profile for offset printing, bleed area extending beyond the trim edge, and trim marks showing where to cut.
Without these settings, your printed materials may have white edges, fuzzy images, or incorrect colors. Professional print shops will reject files that do not meet these standards.
Prepare with PDF Alone
Upload your PDF to PDF Alone's Print-Ready PDF tool. It checks your file against print requirements and applies necessary adjustments — optimizing image resolution, embedding fonts, and converting color profiles for professional output.
Key Print Settings Explained
Bleed: Extend your design 3mm beyond the trim edge. This ensures no white borders appear after cutting. Trim marks show the printer exactly where to cut.
Resolution: All images should be at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) at the final print size. Images from the web (72 DPI) will appear blurry when printed.
Fonts: All fonts must be embedded in the PDF. If a font is only referenced, the printer may substitute it, changing your design.
Color: Use CMYK for offset printing (brochures, business cards). RGB is for screen display only. Converting from RGB to CMYK may shift colors slightly — always review proof prints.