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How to Prepare Your Artwork for Same Day Printing

Jul 29, 2026

How to Prepare Your Artwork for Same Day Printing at Printbox London

How to Prepare Your Artwork for Same Day Printing

When you need printed materials urgently, same day printing can help you meet an important event, presentation, marketing, business, or personal deadline. However, the speed of production depends heavily on the condition of the artwork you provide.

A correctly prepared print file can often move into production shortly after payment and approval. An incorrectly sized, blurry, incomplete, or unsuitable file may require clarification, corrections, resizing, or design work before printing can begin.

At Printbox London (Same Day Printing London), we help customers throughout London produce business cards, flyers, posters, banners, booklets, stickers, documents, marketing materials, and other printed products. Many standard orders can be completed within approximately 3–4 hours after payment and final artwork approval, depending on the product, quantity, material, finishing requirements, and current production schedule.

This guide explains how to prepare professional print-ready artwork so that your order can move through production as smoothly and quickly as possible.

Table of Contents

Why Print-Ready Artwork Matters

Same day printing depends on efficiency. When artwork is supplied at the correct size and in a suitable format, it can be checked and prepared for production much faster.

Properly prepared artwork helps:

  • Reduce production delays
  • Prevent unexpected cropping
  • Avoid unwanted white borders
  • Keep images sharp
  • Prevent missing or substituted fonts
  • Protect important text from trimming
  • Maintain the intended layout
  • Reduce the possibility of reprinting

Artwork preparation is especially important when the order must be completed within a few hours.

Confirm Your Printing Requirements

Before designing or exporting your file, confirm exactly what you intend to order.

You should know:

  • The finished print size
  • The required quantity
  • Whether printing is single-sided or double-sided
  • The preferred paper or material
  • Whether the product needs folding, binding, lamination, mounting, or cutting
  • Your required collection or delivery time

Choose the Product First

Artwork requirements differ between business cards, posters, booklets, banners, stickers, and documents. Selecting the product before preparing the file helps you use the correct dimensions and layout.

Confirm the Finished Size

Do not rely on descriptions such as “large poster” or “small flyer.” Use an exact standard or custom size.

Common paper sizes include:

  • A7: 74 × 105 mm
  • A6: 105 × 148 mm
  • A5: 148 × 210 mm
  • A4: 210 × 297 mm
  • A3: 297 × 420 mm
  • A2: 420 × 594 mm
  • A1: 594 × 841 mm
  • A0: 841 × 1189 mm

A standard UK business card is commonly prepared at 85 × 55 mm.

Set the Correct Artwork Dimensions

Your artwork should be created at the same proportions as the final printed product.

For example, an image designed as a square cannot fill an A-series rectangular poster without one of the following:

  • Cropping part of the image
  • Stretching and distorting the image
  • Adding borders
  • Changing the layout

Preparing the file at the correct dimensions from the beginning avoids these problems.

Use Millimetres for Print Design

When creating artwork for print, setting the document dimensions in millimetres can make it easier to confirm the exact finished size.

Do Not Resize Small Artwork Excessively

Increasing the document dimensions does not automatically improve its quality. A small low-resolution image enlarged to A1 or A0 may still look pixelated.

Check Portrait and Landscape Orientation

Make sure the artwork orientation matches your intended print. For example:

  • A4 portrait: 210 × 297 mm
  • A4 landscape: 297 × 210 mm

Choose the Best File Format

The file format can significantly affect layout accuracy, font display, and image quality.

PDF

A high-quality print-ready PDF is usually the preferred format because it preserves:

  • Page dimensions
  • Font appearance
  • Image positioning
  • Vector graphics
  • Page order
  • Bleed settings

PDF files are suitable for most printed products, including:

  • Business cards
  • Flyers
  • Documents
  • Posters
  • Booklets
  • Menus
  • Invitations
  • Banners

JPEG

High-quality JPEG files can be suitable for photos, posters, and simple single-page designs. However, JPEG is a compressed format, so repeatedly saving the file may reduce quality.

PNG

PNG files are useful for logos and graphics with transparent backgrounds. They may be suitable for selected print products when supplied at a sufficiently high resolution.

TIFF

TIFF files can preserve high-resolution photographic detail, but they may be significantly larger than PDF or JPEG files.

Editable Design Files

Files created in professional design applications may depend on linked images and fonts that are not included. Exporting a complete print-ready PDF is generally safer than supplying only the original working file.

Use the Correct Image Resolution

Resolution determines how much detail an image contains. It is commonly measured in pixels per inch or dots per inch.

300 DPI for Small and Medium Printed Products

For products viewed closely, such as business cards, flyers, brochures, invitations, menus, and documents, images should ideally be approximately 300 DPI at their final printed size.

Large-Format Printing

Large posters and banners are often viewed from a greater distance, so their required effective resolution can vary. However, the artwork should still contain enough detail for the intended size and viewing distance.

A small image copied from a website or social media platform may not be suitable for an A1 poster, A0 poster, or large banner.

Pixel Dimensions Matter

Changing an image setting from 72 DPI to 300 DPI does not create additional detail if the pixel dimensions remain low. The original image must contain enough pixels for the intended print size.

Use Original Files

Whenever possible, supply:

  • The original photograph
  • The original logo file
  • A vector logo
  • The original exported artwork
  • A high-resolution scan

Avoid using screenshots, messaging-app previews, social media thumbnails, or images copied directly from websites.

Understand Colour Settings

Colours displayed on a screen may not look exactly the same when printed. This is because screens and printers reproduce colour differently.

RGB Colour

Phones, monitors, and tablets display colour using RGB light. Bright screen colours may appear less intense when printed.

CMYK Colour

Many professional print workflows use CMYK colour values. Preparing professional artwork in an appropriate print colour space can provide a more realistic indication of how colours may reproduce.

Colour Variations

The final appearance can also be affected by:

  • Screen brightness
  • Monitor calibration
  • Paper colour
  • Matt or gloss finish
  • Printing method
  • Ink coverage
  • File colour profile

Exact screen-to-print colour matching cannot always be guaranteed.

Rich Black and Small Text

Large black backgrounds may require different colour settings from small black text. Small text should remain clean and sharp rather than being built from several misaligned colour channels.

Add Bleed and Safe Margins

Bleed is an extension of the background beyond the final cutting edge. It allows the print to be trimmed without leaving thin white edges.

Use Approximately 3mm Bleed

For many standard printed products, approximately 3mm bleed on each side is recommended.

For example, an A5 finished size is 148 × 210 mm. With 3mm bleed on each edge, the artwork may be exported at 154 × 216 mm.

Extend Backgrounds into the Bleed

Any photograph, background colour, or graphic intended to reach the edge should extend fully into the bleed area.

Keep Important Content Inside the Safe Area

Keep names, logos, phone numbers, QR codes, and other important information several millimetres away from the trim edge.

Do not place essential content directly on the cutting line.

Are Crop Marks Required?

Crop marks are not always necessary. A correctly sized PDF with bleed is often sufficient. Unnecessary or incorrectly positioned printer marks may create complications, so confirm the requirement before including them.

Prepare Fonts and Text Correctly

Font problems can cause missing text, substituted typefaces, altered spacing, or unexpected line breaks.

Embed Fonts

When exporting a PDF, ensure the fonts are embedded whenever possible.

Convert Fonts to Outlines

Professional design software may allow text to be converted into vector outlines. This helps preserve the exact appearance of the typography.

Keep an editable copy of your design before converting text, as outlined text can be difficult to edit later.

Use Readable Font Sizes

Very small text may be difficult to read after printing. Consider:

  • The product size
  • The viewing distance
  • The font style
  • The contrast between text and background
  • The intended audience

Check Spelling and Contact Details

Before approval, carefully check:

  • Names
  • Job titles
  • Phone numbers
  • Email addresses
  • Website addresses
  • Prices
  • Dates
  • Times
  • Venue information

Check Images, Logos, and Graphics

Use Vector Logos Where Possible

Vector artwork can be enlarged without becoming pixelated. Common vector-based formats include PDF, EPS, and SVG, although a print-ready PDF is generally preferred for final production.

Avoid Blurry Logos

Logos copied from websites or email signatures are often too small for professional printing.

Check Transparency

Transparent effects, shadows, and blending can sometimes reproduce differently after export. Review the final PDF carefully.

Check Image Cropping

Make sure important faces, text, products, or logos have not been accidentally cropped near the edge.

Prepare Double-Sided Artwork

Double-sided products require clear page organisation.

Use a Two-Page PDF

For a double-sided flyer or business card, supply:

  • Page 1: Front
  • Page 2: Back

Alternatively, send clearly named separate files such as:

  • business-card-front.pdf
  • business-card-back.pdf

Check Orientation

Confirm whether the back should rotate on the long edge or short edge. Incorrect orientation may result in the reverse side appearing upside down.

Keep Sizes Identical

The front and back pages should have matching dimensions, bleed, and orientation.

Prepare Booklet Artwork

Booklets require additional planning because the pages must be printed, folded, and assembled in the correct order.

Supply Pages in Reading Order

Submit booklet pages in normal reading order:

  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Page 4

Do not manually rearrange pages into printer spreads unless specifically requested.

Use a Page Count Divisible by Four

Saddle-stitched booklets generally require a total page count divisible by four, including the cover.

Suitable page counts include:

  • 8 pages
  • 12 pages
  • 16 pages
  • 20 pages
  • 24 pages
  • 28 pages
  • 32 pages

Export One Complete PDF

Where possible, supply one PDF containing every page in the correct order.

Check Blank Pages

Blank pages may be required to achieve the correct booklet page count. Confirm their position before approving the file.

Learn more about our booklet and brochure printing services.

Prepare Posters and Banners

Large-format printing requires particular attention to proportions, resolution, and viewing distance.

Design at Full Size or a Clear Scale

Create the artwork at the finished dimensions whenever possible. If working at a reduced scale, clearly identify the scale and maintain suitable effective resolution.

Use Large, Readable Text

A banner or poster may be viewed from several metres away. Avoid filling it with paragraphs of small text.

Prioritise:

  • A strong headline
  • A clear supporting message
  • A short call to action
  • Essential contact information
  • A visible logo

Use High-Quality Images

An image that appears sharp at A4 may become visibly pixelated when enlarged to A1, A0, or banner size.

Keep Important Content Away from Finishing Areas

For banners, keep important text and logos away from edges, eyelet areas, and other finishing positions.

Explore our poster printing and banner printing services.

Prepare Sticker Artwork

Sticker artwork may require both a printed design and a cutting path.

Confirm the Finished Sticker Size

Provide the exact width and height in millimetres.

Allow Space Around the Design

Avoid placing text or important graphics directly against the cutting edge.

Keep Cut Shapes Practical

Simple shapes are generally easier to cut accurately than highly detailed outlines with many tiny corners.

Check Background Requirements

White gloss vinyl provides an opaque white background. Clear vinyl is transparent, and we do not print white ink. Colours printed onto clear vinyl may therefore be affected by the surface underneath.

For QR codes placed on dark surfaces, white vinyl is often the more reliable option.

Learn more about sticker and label printing.

Proof Your Artwork Carefully

Proofing is the final opportunity to identify problems before printing.

View the Final Exported File

Do not review only the editable design. Open the final PDF and check every page.

Zoom In

Inspect:

  • Small text
  • Fine lines
  • Logos
  • QR codes
  • Image edges
  • Transparency effects

Review at Actual Size

Viewing the design at approximately 100% scale can help you judge whether text will be readable.

Check Every Page

For multi-page documents and booklets, verify:

  • Page order
  • Missing pages
  • Duplicate pages
  • Blank pages
  • Headers and footers
  • Page numbers
  • Image placement

Test QR Codes

Scan every QR code from the final exported file. Make sure it opens the correct destination and has enough contrast and surrounding clear space.

Export a Print-Ready PDF

When the design is complete, export it using high-quality print settings.

Your final PDF should ideally include:

  • The correct page dimensions
  • Approximately 3mm bleed where required
  • High-resolution images
  • Embedded or outlined fonts
  • Correct page order
  • No unintended printer marks
  • No comments or editing notes
  • No password protection

Name the File Clearly

Use a simple and descriptive filename, such as:

  • A5-flyer-double-sided-final.pdf
  • A1-event-poster-final.pdf
  • business-card-front-and-back.pdf
  • A4-booklet-16-pages-final.pdf

Avoid sending several files with names such as “final,” “final-new,” “final-2,” and “latest-final.” Clearly identify the approved version.

Common Artwork Mistakes

Several recurring issues can delay urgent printing.

Incorrect Dimensions

The file does not match the ordered print size or proportions.

Low-Resolution Images

Images look sharp on screen but become blurry when enlarged.

Missing Bleed

Backgrounds stop at the trim edge, creating a risk of white borders.

Text Too Close to the Edge

Important information may be affected during trimming.

Unembedded Fonts

Fonts may be substituted or displayed incorrectly.

Multiple Unclear Versions

Several files are supplied without identifying which one is approved for printing.

Incorrect Page Count

A booklet has a page count that is unsuitable for saddle stitching.

Unclear Front and Back Files

The pages are not labelled, or the reverse-side orientation has not been confirmed.

Untested QR Codes

The code does not scan, directs to the wrong page, or is too small.

Last-Minute Content Changes

New versions supplied after approval can interrupt the production schedule and extend the turnaround time.

Final Same Day Printing Checklist

Before sending your artwork, confirm the following:

  • The final size is correct
  • The quantity is confirmed
  • Single-sided or double-sided printing is specified
  • The paper or material is selected
  • The artwork proportions match the print size
  • Images are high resolution
  • Backgrounds extend into the bleed
  • Important content is inside the safe area
  • Fonts are embedded or outlined
  • Spelling and contact details have been checked
  • QR codes have been tested
  • Front and back pages are correctly organised
  • Booklet pages are in reading order
  • The final file is a print-ready PDF
  • The approved version is clearly named
  • Your required deadline is stated
  • Your collection or delivery preference is confirmed

How to Place Your Same Day Printing Order

Once the artwork is ready, send us the following information:

  • Product required
  • Finished size
  • Quantity
  • Single-sided or double-sided specification
  • Preferred paper or material
  • Any finishing requirements
  • Required completion time
  • Collection or delivery preference
  • Final artwork file

Our normal ordering process is:

  1. Send the artwork and specifications.
  2. We review the request and provide a quotation.
  3. You confirm the order.
  4. We send a secure payment link.
  5. Payment and final artwork are approved.
  6. The order enters production.
  7. We notify you when it is ready for collection or delivery.

Many standard products can be completed within approximately 3–4 hours after artwork and payment confirmation. More complex orders may require additional production, drying, cutting, mounting, binding, or finishing time.

Professional Same Day Printing Services

Printbox London (Same Day Printing London) provides a wide selection of professional printing services, including:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best file format for printing?

A high-quality print-ready PDF is recommended for most products because it preserves dimensions, fonts, images, and layout.

Do I need to add bleed?

Bleed is recommended when a background, image, or colour reaches the edge of the finished product. Approximately 3mm bleed on each side is suitable for many standard print products.

Do I need crop marks?

Crop marks are not always required. A correctly sized PDF with bleed is often sufficient. Contact us if you are unsure.

Should my file be RGB or CMYK?

Professional print artwork is commonly prepared in CMYK. RGB files can still be printed, but some bright screen colours may reproduce differently in print.

Is 300 DPI always required?

Approximately 300 DPI at final size is recommended for many products viewed closely. Large-format artwork may use a different effective resolution depending on size and viewing distance.

Can you print a screenshot?

We can assess it, but screenshots are often low resolution and may not be suitable for professional or large-format printing.

Can you improve a blurry image?

Some images can be enhanced to a limited extent, but missing detail cannot always be restored. The original high-resolution file will usually produce the best result.

Can you check my artwork?

Yes. We can review basic technical points such as size, proportions, resolution, bleed, margins, orientation, page count, and general print suitability.

Does artwork checking include proofreading?

No. Customers remain responsible for checking spelling, names, dates, prices, contact details, and all approved content before printing.

Can you create or edit my design?

Design assistance may be available for an additional charge. The turnaround depends on the complexity of the work and the number of revisions required.

Can design work be completed on the same day?

Simple amendments may sometimes be possible, but creating or extensively editing artwork can increase the turnaround time. Print-ready artwork is recommended for urgent orders.

When does the printing turnaround begin?

Production begins after full payment has been received and the final artwork has been approved.

Can I change the file after approval?

Changes may be possible before production begins. Once printing has started, amendments may no longer be possible and a reprint may involve an additional charge.

Can I collect my order from the shop?

Yes. Free collection is available from our Tottenham store after we confirm that the order is ready.

Do you offer delivery?

Yes. Local same day courier delivery and nationwide delivery may be available depending on the product, destination, parcel size, and required timeframe.

Conclusion

Preparing artwork correctly is one of the most effective ways to avoid delays and achieve better same day printing results. Correct dimensions, suitable resolution, clear margins, appropriate bleed, embedded fonts, organised pages, and a final print-ready PDF can help your order move through production efficiently.

Before submitting your artwork, review every detail carefully and make sure you are sending the final approved version. When the file is ready, include your required product, size, quantity, material, deadline, and collection or delivery preference.

At Printbox London (Same Day Printing London), our team can review the basic technical suitability of your artwork and help you choose an appropriate printing option for your project.

Send your print-ready file today for a personalised quotation and professional same day printing in London.

Contact Information

Business Name: Printbox London (Same Day Printing London)

Address: 52 West Green Road, London N15 5NR

Phone: 0207 018 5678

Email: hello@printbox.london

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