A single overlooked setting can get your PDF rejected by the print shop — or worse, produce a finished print that looks nothing like your design. This checklist covers every parameter you need to verify before sending a PDF to print.
PDF Print Checklist — Quick Reference
- Colour mode is CMYK (not RGB)
- All images are at least 300 DPI at final print size
- Bleed of at least 3 mm on all sides
- All fonts are embedded or outlined
- Page size matches the intended print format (including bleed)
- PDF standard is PDF/X-4 or PDF/X-1a (if required by print shop)
- ICC colour profile is embedded (e.g. ISO Coated v2)
- No transparency issues (for PDF/X-1a)
- Safe zone: important content is at least 3–5 mm inside the trim edge
- File has been checked with a preflight tool
1. Colour Mode: CMYK
Every print file must use CMYK colour mode. RGB is designed for screens and cannot be reproduced accurately by printing presses. An RGB file sent to print will have colour shifts — often appearing duller or darker than on screen.
Check your colour mode in Adobe Acrobat (File → Properties → Description) or use PrintReady247 for an instant automated check. For conversion, see our guide on converting PDF to CMYK.
2. Image Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI
All raster images (photographs, product shots, illustrations saved as JPG or PNG) must be at least 300 DPI at the final print size. Images sourced from websites are typically 72–96 DPI — far below the print standard.
Important: scaling up a low-resolution image does not fix the problem. Always use a high-resolution source. See our guide on what DPI means in printing.
3. Bleed: 3 mm on All Sides
Bleed is the extra area beyond the final trim size. Without it, small variations in cutting leave white edges on the finished print. The standard is 3 mm on all sides.
Your background colours and images must extend into the bleed area. Your document dimensions should therefore be 6 mm larger than the final print size in each direction (e.g. 216 × 303 mm for A4 + 3 mm bleed). Learn more in What is Bleed in Printing?
4. Embedded Fonts
All fonts in your PDF must be embedded. If they are not, the print shop’s system may substitute a different typeface — changing your layout unpredictably.
In Adobe Acrobat, go to File → Properties → Fonts to check. Every entry should show "Embedded" or "Embedded Subset". For steps to fix this, see how to embed fonts in a PDF.
5. Page Size
Your document size must match the intended print format, including bleed. A mismatch causes the printer to scale or crop your file. Double-check in your design software and in Acrobat (File → Properties → Description).
6. PDF Standard (PDF/X)
Many professional print shops require files in PDF/X format — typically PDF/X-4 for modern printing or PDF/X-1a for older workflows. PDF/X enforces font embedding, colour settings and bleed box information automatically.
If your print shop specifies PDF/X, export directly from InDesign or Illustrator using the appropriate preset, or use PrintConvert247 to convert an existing PDF.
7. ICC Colour Profile
For professional results, your PDF should have an ICC colour profile embedded. For European offset printing on coated paper, this is typically ISO Coated v2 (ECI). Ask your print shop if you are unsure which profile they require.
8. Safe Zone
While bleed prevents white edges, the safe zone prevents content from being cut off. Keep all text, logos and important elements at least 3–5 mm inside the trim edge — further away from the cut.
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