When it comes to printing, what you see on your screen isn’t always what you’ll get on paper. That’s why preparing your file correctly can save you time, money, and stress. At Precision Images, we’ve seen every kind of file mishap you can imagine—and most are easy to avoid once you know what to look for. Here are the most common mistakes we see (and how to avoid them):

1. Missing Bleeds
If your design has color or images that go all the way to the edge, you need to include a bleed—typically 1/8″—to ensure there are no white edges after trimming.

2. Low Resolution Images
That photo might look crisp on your screen, but if it’s under 300 DPI (dots per inch), it’ll likely print blurry or pixelated. Always double-check resolution before submitting.

3. Incorrect Color Mode
Files should be in CMYK for print, not RGB. RGB is for screens—CMYK is for paper. If you forget to convert, colors may print differently than expected.

4. Fonts Not Outlined or Embedded
If you use a custom font and don’t outline or embed it, your text could reflow or display incorrectly. Converting text to outlines ensures your design stays intact.

5. Missing Links or Flattened Layers
Linked images or layered artwork can get lost or shift when transferring files. It’s best to package your artwork with all necessary files or submit a flattened PDF.

Need help prepping your file? We’re always happy to review your artwork before it hits the press—just give us a shout!