Print 101
Short guides on file formats, resolution, and print basics. No jargon—just what you need to prepare your artwork and work with us confidently.
Featured guides
Which file formats we use for print and how to prepare your artwork for the best results.
4 min readWhat to send us to get an accurate quoteThe information and files we need to quote your job correctly the first time.
5 min readTurnaround times explained (standard vs rush)How standard and rush turnarounds work and what to expect when you need it fast.
5 min readHow to choose the right print product for your use caseMatch the product to the environment, lifespan, and budget. Wrong choices lead to reprints or premature failure.
5 min readWhat "print-ready" actually meansPrint-ready is a standard, not a guess. Missing elements cause stops and rework.
5 min readEstimating quantities without over- or under-orderingHow to estimate print quantities so you do not over-order or run short. Real consequences of getting it wrong.
5 min readWhat actually happens between approval and deliveryThe steps from final approval to your door: prep, production, finishing, and shipping. What takes time and what can go wrong.
5 min readLocal printing vs online printing: real differencesWhat actually differs between a local shop and an online printer: communication, proofing, and when each makes sense.
5 min readWhat changes (and what doesn't) on reordersReordering the same job: what stays the same, what can drift, and how to get a consistent result.
5 min readHow to communicate print requirements clearlyWhat to put in writing so your printer can quote and produce the job without guesswork or rework.
5 min readChoosing finishes and options without overcomplicating the jobWhen to add lamination, coating, or other options—and when to keep the job simple.
5 min readUnderstanding print resolutionWhy resolution matters for print and how to set up your files so sharpness and detail hold up at full size.
5 min readBleed, trim, and safe areaWhy bleed and safe area matter and how to set them up so nothing gets cut off.
5 min readRGB vs CMYK and why prints shiftWhy screen colors do not match print and how to set up files for predictable results.
5 min readFonts and outlines: how to avoid missing textWhy fonts go missing in print files and how to outline or embed them correctly.
5 min readDPI vs PPI explained (and why it matters for print)DPI and PPI are often used interchangeably but refer to different things. Using the wrong one leads to soft or pixelated print.
5 min readWhy proofs matter and when to insist on oneProofs reduce the gap between expectation and result. Skipping them can cost reprints.
5 min readResolution requirements for large-format printingWhy large-format resolution is different from small-format and what DPI to aim for at viewing distance.
5 min readVector vs raster files and when each is requiredWhen vector art is necessary and when raster is acceptable. What breaks when you use the wrong type.
5 min readTransparency and overprints: where files breakHow transparency and overprint settings can cause unexpected results in print and how to fix them.
5 min readRich black vs true black explainedWhy 100% K can look gray and when to use a rich black build. What goes wrong when the wrong black is used.
5 min readWhy scaled images look fine on screen but fail in printScreen resolution hides low-res scaling; print reveals it. How to avoid soft or pixelated images in print.
5 min readMargins that look safe but aren'tWhy "safe" margins can still get cut off or look wrong. Trim variance and finishing equipment limits.
5 min readExporting from Canva for professional printingHow to export from Canva so the file meets print resolution and color requirements. Where Canva defaults fall short.
5 min readBrowse by topic
Getting started
Essential guides for preparing your first print project: file formats, specs, and what to expect.
Design & files
Design requirements, resolution, and file setup so your artwork prints correctly the first time.
Materials & durability
How print materials behave outdoors, under handling, and over time.
Pricing & tradeoffs
Why print quotes vary, what you are paying for, and how to choose intelligently.
Common mistakes
The most common reasons print jobs fail and how to avoid them.
Production techniques
How specialty printing and finishing actually works: white ink, contour cutting, UV, and file setup details.