Supplying images and artwork correctly is one of the most important parts of getting good print results. Many print issues such as blurry images, pixelation or unexpected sizing are caused by artwork that isn’t set up correctly in the first place.
The good news is that most of these problems are easy to avoid once you know what to look out for.
Image resolution: why it matters
One of the most common issues we see is low-resolution images. Images that look fine on a screen don’t always print well.
For printing, images should be:
- 300dpi (dots per inch)
- At the actual size they will be printed
Images taken from websites, emails or social media are usually:
- 72dpi
- Designed for screens, not print
- Too small to enlarge without losing quality
If a low-resolution image is enlarged for print, it will often appear blurry or pixelated.
Avoid screenshots and copied images
Screenshots and images copied from websites are rarely suitable for printing. Even if they look sharp on screen, they don’t contain enough detail for high-quality print.
Whenever possible, use:
- Original photos
- High-resolution image files
- Proper logo files supplied by your designer
Correct page size is just as important
Another very common issue is artwork supplied at the wrong page size.
For example:
- An A5 flyer supplied as an A4 file
- A business card supplied on a full A4 page
- Artwork supplied without bleed or trim size
Your artwork should always be set up at the finished size of the item, with bleed added if needed. Scaling artwork up or down can affect image quality, layout and text positioning.
Use the right file formats
For best results, we recommend:
- PDF (preferred)
- JPEG or TIFF for images
- PNG for logos or graphics with transparency
Avoid formats such as Word, PowerPoint or screenshots wherever possible, as these are not designed for print output and layout can change between different versions.
Check fonts and text
Make sure:
- Text is readable and not too small
- Fonts are embedded or outlined
- Important text is kept within the safe area
Very small text or thin fonts can lose clarity when printed.
Flattening layers in Photoshop
If you’re supplying artwork created in Photoshop, it’s important to flatten the image before sending it for print. Photoshop files often contain multiple layers, adjustment layers or text layers, which can sometimes cause issues when exporting or opening files on different systems.
Flattening the image combines all layers into a single background layer, helping to ensure:
- The artwork appears exactly as intended
- No layers are accidentally hidden or moved
- Fonts and effects remain consistent
- The file exports cleanly as a print-ready PDF or image
Before flattening, make sure you’re happy with the final design, as layers cannot be edited once flattened. If you want to keep an editable version, save a copy of the file first, then flatten the version you’re sending for print.
If you’re unsure how to flatten an image or export it correctly, just let us know — we’re happy to help or check the file before printing.
Common mistakes we see
Some of the most frequent issues include:
- Low-resolution images
- Artwork supplied at the wrong size
- No bleed included
- Text too close to the edge
- RGB colours instead of CMYK
- Layers not flattened
These issues can usually be corrected before printing if caught early.
Using Word or PowerPoint for print artwork
Word and PowerPoint are designed for documents and presentations, not professional print artwork. While they can sometimes be used for very simple items, they often cause problems when files are sent for printing.
Common issues with Word or PowerPoint files include:
- Artwork supplied at the wrong size
- Images that appear sharp on screen but print blurry
- Fonts changing or reflowing
- Limited control over bleed and safe area
- Colours not printing as expected
If Word or PowerPoint is used, we strongly recommend exporting the file as a PDF before sending it for print. This helps lock in the layout and reduce font or spacing issues.
For anything more complex than a basic document, we recommend using design software such as Canva, InDesign or Illustrator, or letting us handle the artwork for you.
Final checks before sending artwork
Before sending your artwork for print, it’s worth taking a moment to check:
- The page size matches the finished print size
- Bleed is included where needed
- Important text sits safely inside the edges
- Images are high resolution and clear
- Colours are set correctly for print
- The file is exported as a print-ready PDF
Taking a few minutes to check these details can save time, avoid delays, and help ensure your printed items look exactly as you expect.
If you’re unsure, ask
If you’re not confident your artwork is ready for print, just send it to us. We’re happy to check image quality, page size and setup before printing, or we can create the artwork for you. Taking a few extra minutes at this stage helps ensure the finished print looks professional and exactly as you expect. We’re always happy to check artwork before printing or help make any necessary adjustments.
If your artwork needs any adjustment or isn’t quite print-ready, we’ll always let you know before printing and advise on the best way to proceed.
