Simple Steps for Great Print Results
Preparing files for printing doesn't have to be complicated! Follow these straightforward guidelines to ensure your cardstock prints turn out beautifully. We're here to make the process easy, not stressful.
1. File Types We Accept
We accept most common file types, so you can work with what you're comfortable using.
Accepted Formats:
- PDF: The best option for printing—it keeps everything looking exactly as you designed it
- JPEG or PNG: Great for image-based designs like photos or graphics
- TIFF: Perfect for high-quality images
Don't have fancy design software? No problem! You can create your design in programs you already know, like Canva, Microsoft Word, or even PowerPoint, then save or export as a PDF.
2. Make Sure Your Images Look Sharp
The key to crisp, professional printing is using high-quality images.
Simple Rule:
- Use images that are at least 300 DPI (dots per inch)
- If an image looks clear and sharp on your screen when zoomed in, it will probably print well
- Avoid stretching or enlarging small images—they'll look blurry when printed
Quick test: Zoom in on your design to 100% or more. If it looks pixelated or fuzzy on screen, it will look worse when printed.
3. Keep Important Stuff Away from the Edges
This is simpler than it sounds! When we print and cut your cardstock, there can be tiny variations in where the cut happens.
Easy Solution:
- Keep all important text, logos, and images at least 1/8 inch (about 3-4mm) away from the edges
- Think of it as a safety margin—nothing critical should be too close to where we'll cut
- Background colors and patterns can go all the way to the edge—that's fine!
That's it! No need to stress about technical "bleed" settings. Just keep your important content away from the borders and you're good.
4. Use Clear, Readable Fonts
Make sure your text is easy to read when printed.
Font Guidelines:
- Use font sizes of at least 8-10 points for body text
- Avoid super-thin or overly decorative fonts for important information like phone numbers and email addresses
- If you're using a PDF, your fonts will be preserved automatically
If someone needs reading glasses to see your contact info, make the font bigger!
5. Double-Check Your Information
This is the most important step! Once it's printed, we can't fix typos.
Proofread Checklist:
- Spelling of names and company name
- Phone numbers (try calling it to make sure it's correct!)
- Email addresses (one wrong letter makes it useless)
- Website URLs
- Dates and times for events
- Addresses
Pro tip: Have a friend or family member review it too. Fresh eyes catch mistakes you might miss!
Common Questions
Q: What if my colors look different when printed?
A: Screens display colors differently than printed paper. If exact color matching is critical for your brand, let us know and we can discuss options.
Q: Can you help me if I'm not sure my file is ready?
A: Absolutely! Send us your file and we'll take a look. We're happy to let you know if anything needs adjustment before printing.
Q: What if I only have a low-resolution image?
A: Contact us before ordering. Sometimes we can work with what you have, or we can suggest alternatives.
Q: Do I need special software?
A: Nope! Free tools like Canva, Google Docs, or even your phone's photo editor can create print-ready files when saved as PDF or high-quality images.
Bottom Line: Keep It Simple
Here's what really matters:
- Send us a PDF or high-quality image file
- Make sure images are sharp and clear
- Keep important text and logos away from the edges
- Proofread everything carefully
That's it! Don't stress about the technical stuff. At Tailored Paper Co., we're here to help you get beautiful printed cardstock without the headache. If you have questions about your file, just ask—we're happy to help!
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