Keep a copy of this guidance
Download a print-friendly PDF to use while preparing your artwork.
Open the exported PDF, not only the working design file, before approving it.
Work through the job in four steps
Choose final pages
Export the correct number of pages or spreads for the product. Booklets are usually supplied as single reading-order pages unless the team asks otherwise.
Use a suitable standard
PDF/X-4 can preserve modern transparency and colour information when the print workflow supports it. Confirm the supplier preset.
Include bleed
Set the correct bleed on the document and export it with the PDF. Add crop marks only if requested.
Preflight and reopen
Check fonts, links, page size, transparency and image quality; reopen the exported PDF and inspect every page.
A PDF file is not automatically print ready. Size, bleed, image detail and content still need approval.
Before you send the file
Check the exact specification with The Print Centre Warrington before final export. Bleed, resolution, colour setup, imposition and finishing allowances depend on the product and production route. Approve the final file and content yourself.
Keep planning
Artwork for print: start here →
Technical background: Adobe print guidance ↗. Our practical notes adapt this for planning; your approved job specification takes precedence.