Troubleshooting Common Print File Issues
We check every print file before it goes to press, and we see the same problems again and again. This guide is for business owners and designers preparing artwork for print. It covers the most common file problems, how to spot them and how to fix them. Use it before you upload artwork, so your order prints correctly without delays or reprints.
Problems with images and resolution
Images that look sharp on screen often print blurry or pixelated. Screens need far less detail than paper. Low resolution is one of the most common reasons files are rejected. Check for these problems.
- Images below 300 dpi at their final printed size.
- Images taken from websites or social media, which are usually too small.
- Images enlarged in design software beyond their original size.
- Logos supplied as small JPEG files rather than vector artwork.
- Screenshots used in place of original image files.
Replace low-resolution images with original, high-resolution files. Supply logos as vector files such as PDF, EPS or SVG. Our guide to optimising images for print explains resolution in more detail.
Problems with layout, bleed and trimming
Printers trim sheets after printing, and small movements happen during cutting. Artwork must allow for this, or edges and text can be cut off. These layout problems are easy to avoid. Check for each one.
- No bleed, which leaves thin white edges after trimming.
- Text or logos placed too close to the trim edge.
- Borders that look uneven after trimming.
- The wrong document size for the product ordered.
- Folded items with panels in the wrong order or size.
Add bleed, usually 3mm on each edge, to any colour or image that reaches the edge. Keep important content inside the safe zone. Use the printer's template where one is available.
Problems with colour and fonts
Colours and fonts cause many unexpected results in print. Files set up for screens use different colour settings from printing presses. Missing fonts can change text completely. Watch for these problems.
- Files supplied in RGB, which can shift colour when converted to CMYK.
- Bright screen colours that cannot be matched exactly in print.
- Small black text built from four colours, which can look blurred.
- Fonts not embedded or outlined, which can be replaced with a default font.
- Very thin lines that disappear or break up when printed.
Export a print-ready PDF with fonts embedded and colours set to CMYK. Ask for a printed proof when colour accuracy matters. Our print file checklist covers every step before you upload.
Print file troubleshooting checklist
Use this checklist when a file is rejected or before you upload artwork. Each item addresses a common cause of print problems. Fix each issue before you resubmit.
- Images at 300 dpi at final size
- Logos supplied as vector files
- 3mm bleed added where artwork reaches the edge
- Important content inside the safe zone
- Document size matches the product ordered
- Colours set to CMYK
- Fonts embedded or outlined
- Thin lines thick enough to print
Good to know
Print file problem FAQs
Why does my print look blurry?+
Blurry print usually comes from low-resolution images. An image that looks sharp on screen often lacks the detail needed for print. Use original image files at 300 dpi at their printed size. Supply logos as vector artwork.
Why are my printed colours different from my screen?+
Screens display colour with light, while printers use ink on paper. Some bright screen colours cannot be matched exactly with standard inks. Converting to CMYK before export shows the likely result. A printed proof gives the most reliable check.
What happens if my file has no bleed?+
Without bleed, small movements during trimming can leave thin white edges. Printers often reject files without bleed or add it themselves, which can affect the design. Add 3mm of bleed to every edge where artwork reaches the trim. Check your printer's exact requirement.
Keep this guide with your print-ready artwork and printer specifications. Share it with anyone who designs files for your business. So you can fix file problems before they cause delays, rejections or reprints.
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