Artwork Guidance
How to prepare print-ready files for Horizon Printing & Graphics to ensure crisp, vibrant, flawless results every time.
Good artwork is the difference between a print job that looks exactly as you imagined and one that comes back with a nasty surprise. This guide walks through everything you need to know before you upload your file with us — file formats, resolution, bleed and safe zones, sizing for our most popular products, and a few extra tips that will help your job go through production smoothly the first time.
If anything here isn’t clear, or your project doesn’t quite fit the examples below, just get in touch — our team is always on hand to assist.
The Basics
File Formats
We accept PDF, JPG and PNG files. PDF is our preferred format, as it holds text, colour and vector quality most reliably through to print.
Resolution (300 DPI)
Please supply artwork at 300 DPI at 100% final size. Lower resolutions will look pixelated or blurry once printed.
Colour Mode: CMYK
Supply all files in CMYK. RGB and Pantone/spot colours will convert to CMYK automatically, which can cause shifts in shade.
3mm Bleed
Include 3mm bleed on all 4 edges. Backgrounds must extend past the trim line so small shifts during guillotine cutting don’t leave white edges.
Finished Size, Bleed and Safe Zone
Three measurements matter for every print job, and it’s easy to mix them up:
1. Finished Size
The actual size of your printed item once trimmed. This is the exact size you order and would measure with a ruler.
2. Bleed Area (Finished size + 3mm each side)
Any background colour, artwork, or photo that touches the edge of your design must stretch fully to this outer border.
3. Safe Zone (3mm inside trim line)
Keep all important text, phone numbers, and logos safely inside this inner perimeter so guillotine variation doesn’t clip them.
Standard Sizes at a Glance
Reference guide for standard finished sizes, dimensions with 3mm bleed, and safe zones.
| Format | Finished Size | With 3mm Bleed | Safe Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| A6 | 105 × 148 mm | 111 × 154 mm | 99 × 142 mm |
| A5 | 148 × 210 mm | 154 × 216 mm | 142 × 204 mm |
| DL | 100 × 210 mm | 106 × 216 mm | 94 × 204 mm |
| A4 | 210 × 297 mm | 216 × 303 mm | 204 × 291 mm |
| A3 | 297 × 420 mm | 303 × 426 mm | 291 × 414 mm |
| A2 | 420 × 594 mm | 426 × 600 mm | 414 × 588 mm |
| A1 | 594 × 841 mm | 600 × 847 mm | 588 × 835 mm |
| Business cards | 85 × 55 mm | 91 × 61 mm | 79 × 49 mm |
Envelopes need an additional 8mm non-printable margin along the top edge for machine handling, alongside a safe margin on the other three sides.
Large format items are viewed from a distance and hemmed or eyeletted. Don’t assume 3mm is enough on a 2-metre banner; keep logos well away from the edges.
General Artwork Preparation Tips
Embed or outline your fonts
Converts text to vector outlines so fonts don’t substitute or reflow unexpectedly.
Flatten your file before exporting
Prevents transparency layers and blend modes from rendering inconsistently on RIP software.
Use high-resolution imagery
Ensure placed images are 300 DPI at full target scale, not web-optimised 72 DPI graphics.
Proofread thoroughly before upload
Double-check phone numbers, URLs, and dates. Once approved, production begins promptly.
Need help checking your artwork?
Our prepress team is happy to review your file or answer any technical questions before you place your order.