Artwork & Bleed Guidelines
Follow our commercial prepress specifications to ensure your files print with razor-sharp clarity, exact colors, and clean precision edges every single time.
2 mm Bleed on All Edges
Extend all background colors, photos, and graphics at least 2mm past the final cut trim line. For a 90 x 55 mm Australian card, your artwork file dimensions must be 94 x 59 mm.
3 mm Safe Text Margin
Keep all logos, phone numbers, website addresses, and body text at least 3mm inside the cut line (6mm from outer bleed edge) to avoid text clipping during high-speed guillotine trimming.
CMYK Color Mode (Not RGB)
Convert all RGB and Pantone PMS spot colors to CMYK (FOGRA39 or Coated GRACoL). RGB colors are for digital screens and will shift or darken when converted on commercial presses.
300 DPI High Resolution
All embedded photographs, logos, and raster assets must be at least 300 DPI at 100% printed scale. Web images (72 DPI) will appear pixelated, blurry, and fuzzy when printed.
Convert Fonts to Curves / Outlines
Outline all typography in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, or Photoshop (Create Outlines / Convert to Curves) to prevent missing font substitutions on our RIP software.
Export as High-Quality PDF / PDF/X-1a
Save your final print file as a Press-Quality PDF or PDF/X-1a:2001 with embedded fonts, transparency flattened, and trim marks enabled.
Standard Australian Dimensions & Bleed Reference
| Product | Finished Trim Size | Artwork Size (incl. 2mm Bleed) | Safe Text Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Business Cards | 90 mm x 55 mm | 94 mm x 59 mm | 84 mm x 49 mm |
| DL Flyers / Brochures | 99 mm x 210 mm | 103 mm x 214 mm | 93 mm x 204 mm |
| A5 Flyers / Postcards | 148 mm x 210 mm | 152 mm x 214 mm | 142 mm x 204 mm |
| A4 Posters / Flyers | 210 mm x 297 mm | 214 mm x 301 mm | 204 mm x 291 mm |
| Pull-Up Retractable Banner | 850 mm x 2000 mm | 850 mm x 2150 mm (150mm bottom bleed) | 810 mm x 1950 mm |
How to Set Up Spot UV & Metallic Foil Masks
When ordering Spot UV, Raised 3D Varnish, or Hot Stamped Foil, supply your artwork as a 2-page or 4-page PDF:
Unsure about your artwork setup?
Every order includes a free automated 21-point prepress check before going to press.