How to Prepare Your Files for Same Day Printing

Jul 07, 2026

How to Prepare Your Files for Same Day Printing

Need your prints urgently? Properly preparing your artwork is one of the best ways to ensure your order is printed quickly and accurately. Whether you're ordering business cards, flyers, posters, banners, or other marketing materials, supplying print-ready artwork helps avoid delays and ensures professional results.

At Printbox London (Same Day Printing London), we provide fast, reliable same day printing services across London. This guide explains how to prepare your files correctly for the best possible print quality.

Choose the Correct File Format
Use High-Resolution Images
Set the Correct Colour Mode
Add Bleed and Safe Margins
Check Your Artwork Carefully
Submitting Your Files
Why Choose Printbox London?
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Information

Choose the Correct File Format

Using the correct file format ensures your artwork prints exactly as intended.

We recommend:

Print-ready PDF (preferred)
AI (Adobe Illustrator)
EPS
High-resolution PNG
High-resolution JPG or JPEG

Whenever possible, supply your artwork as a PDF with fonts embedded or converted to outlines.

Use High-Resolution Images

Image quality has a huge impact on the finished print.

For professional results:

Use images at 300 DPI.
Avoid screenshots or images downloaded from social media.
Use original high-resolution photographs whenever possible.

Low-resolution artwork may appear blurry or pixelated, particularly on larger products such as posters and banners.

Set the Correct Colour Mode

Professional printing uses CMYK colour rather than RGB.

Before exporting your artwork:

Convert colours to CMYK.
Avoid using RGB where possible.
Expect slight colour variations between screens and printed products.

Preparing artwork in CMYK helps achieve more accurate printed colours.

Add Bleed and Safe Margins

If your design extends to the edge of the page, include bleed to prevent unwanted white borders after trimming.

We recommend:

3mm bleed on all sides.
Keep important text at least 5mm inside the trim edge.
Extend background colours and images into the bleed area.

Proper bleed setup is especially important for business cards, flyers, brochures, and invitations.

Check Your Artwork Carefully

Before submitting your files, take a few minutes to review everything carefully.

Check for:

Spelling mistakes
Correct contact details
Image quality
Alignment
Page size
Bleed settings
Embedded fonts

Taking time to proof your artwork can help prevent costly reprints.

Submitting Your Files

Once your artwork is ready, simply upload it through our website or email it to our team.

If you're unsure whether your artwork is suitable for printing, we'll happily review it before production begins.

Our experienced staff can also advise on paper stocks, finishes, sizing, and the best printing options for your project.

Why Choose Printbox London (Same Day Printing London)?

Customers across Tottenham, Haringey, Wood Green, Camden, Hackney, Islington, Enfield, and Greater London trust us because we offer:

Professional same day printing services
Free artwork checking
High-quality digital printing
Competitive prices
Fast turnaround times
Friendly expert advice
Collection and delivery options

Whether you're printing a single document or a complete marketing campaign, we're here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What file format is best for printing?

Print-ready PDF files are recommended because they preserve fonts, layouts, and image quality.

Can you check my artwork before printing?

Yes. Our experienced team will review your artwork and let you know if any changes are recommended.

What resolution should my images be?

300 DPI is recommended for professional printing.

Do I need to include bleed?

Yes, if your design prints edge-to-edge. We recommend a 3mm bleed on all sides.

Do you offer same day printing?

Yes. Many products are available with same day turnaround, subject to artwork approval and production capacity.

Conclusion

Preparing your artwork correctly helps ensure faster production, better print quality, and a smoother ordering experience. Using high-resolution images, the correct colour settings, proper bleed, and print-ready PDFs will help achieve professional results every time.

At Printbox London (Same Day Printing London), we're committed to making same day printing simple, fast, and reliable for businesses and individuals throughout London.

If you're unsure about your artwork, contact our team and we'll be happy to help before your order goes to print.