1. When creating an Adobe Illustrator file ready for print there are a few steps you need to follow. Here is our step-by-step guide to make your Illustrator file ready for print.

    1. Setting up your document. Make sure that your document is set to the correct UK paper size. To view UK paper sizes click on the button below. Once you have the correct finished size you desire, go to file, click on new. This window will pop up, click on the print section at the top. Choose from one of the presets or enter your own dimensions here. Then make sure that you select the correct orientation that your design is.

    Once you are happy with your paper size, you will need to add bleed to your document. To do this go to the bleed section and add 3mm, then click the clip button, this will apply your 3mm bleed to all sides. If you are creating a multiple page document, it is important that you set your artwork up in sequential order. To add more pages to your Illustrator file, in the artboard section insert the number of pages your file will be. In the colour setting ensure that your colour mode is set to CMYK.

    2. Once you have completed your document set up, you can start your design. Make sure that any coloured elements, or photos that go to the page edge extent to the bleed line, and that any coloured elements within your design are set to CMYK.

    3. Once you are happy with your design it is time to save it as a PDF. Go to file, print, in the printer option choose Adobe PDF, In marks and bleed ensure both trim marks and registration marks are both selected. Go down to the bleed section, and make sure that 3mm bleed has been added to each side. In the general tab on the left, in media size choose custom. If your design contains any spot colours, go to the output tab on the left, then make sure that convert all spot colours to process is ticked. This will ensure that any spot colours you have used in your design will be converted to the correct CMYK values. In colour management make sure that post script to determine colours has been selected. Click on the setup button at the bottom left. This window will pop up, go to preferences, ensure that high quality print has been selected. Now press print and save your file.

    You will now have a PDF with crop marks and bleed ready for print, make sure to review your design before supplying us with the PDF. For any further information, visit our website at www.printers.prontaprint.com, or click on the link in the description.