Our Process
From File to Finished Print
— Here's How It Works.
You Send Your Files
Upload artwork via the order form or email a WeTransfer / Dropbox link to office@printingcheap.co.uk. Any format accepted at this stage.
We Check Everything
Our team reviews your file for resolution, colour mode, bleed, fonts and overall print-readiness. We check before we quote — no surprises later.
We Send a Proof
You receive a soft proof (PDF) showing exactly how the final job will look. We confirm sizes, colours and any notes before proceeding.
You Approve & We Print
Once you approve the proof by email, we go to press. Production timescales are confirmed at proof stage — same-day available on many products.
Technical Specifications
Artwork File
Requirements.
Follow these specifications for the best possible print quality. When in doubt, supply the highest quality version you have and we'll advise.
Accepted File Formats
Preferred (vector / editable): Supply these for the sharpest, most scalable output.
Also accepted (raster): Subject to resolution check.
Not suitable for print:
Resolution (DPI)
Standard print (A4–A0 posters, stationery, certificates): Minimum 300 dpi at final print size.
Large format (banners, wall graphics, vehicle wraps): Minimum 150 dpi at final size — these are viewed from a distance.
Never upscale: Increasing a low-resolution image does not improve print quality. If in doubt, supply what you have and we'll advise.
⚠ Web images (72–96 dpi) are almost never suitable for print without reshooting.
Colour Mode
Supply files in CMYK colour mode for all print jobs. RGB is the screen colour space and will be auto-converted — colours may shift, particularly:
Pantone / spot colours: Include swatch references in the file or specify the Pantone code in your order notes. We'll match as closely as possible on digital print.
Bleed & Safe Zone
Bleed (3 mm): Extend all background colours and images 3 mm beyond the trim edge on all four sides. This prevents white borders appearing after cutting.
Safe zone (5 mm): Keep all important content — text, logos, phone numbers — at least 5 mm inside the trim edge to avoid accidental cutting.
Crop marks: Include crop / trim marks in your PDF export settings, or tell us the document dimensions and we'll add them.
Fonts & Typography
Always convert fonts to outlines / curves before saving the final file. This embeds the letterforms as vector shapes and prevents font substitution on our systems.
Alternatively: Package your InDesign or Illustrator file with all linked fonts and images included.
Minimum text size for legibility: 6pt for standard print, 10pt for anything that needs to be read easily.
Sending Your Files
Via our order form: Upload directly during checkout — up to 10 MB per file, multiple files accepted.
Large files: Use WeTransfer (wetransfer.com) or Dropbox and email the link to office@printingcheap.co.uk.
By post: USB drives or discs accepted at our studio — Unit 87, Thomas Way, Hersden, Canterbury, CT3 4NH.
Not sure? Email us at any stage — we're happy to advise before you finalise artwork.
Size Reference
Standard Print Sizes
& Recommended Specs.
| Format | Dimensions (mm) | Min. Resolution | Colour Mode | Bleed | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A6 | 105 × 148 | 300 dpi | CMYK | 3 mm | Flyers, postcards, menus |
| A5 | 148 × 210 | 300 dpi | CMYK | 3 mm | Leaflets, booklets, certificates |
| A4 | 210 × 297 | 300 dpi | CMYK | 3 mm | Posters, letterheads, certificates |
| A3 | 297 × 420 | 300 dpi | CMYK | 3 mm | Posters, display, plans |
| A2 | 420 × 594 | 200 dpi | CMYK | 3 mm | Exhibition, retail display |
| A1 | 594 × 841 | 150 dpi | CMYK | 3 mm | Posters, point-of-sale |
| A0 | 841 × 1189 | 100 dpi | CMYK | 5 mm | Large posters, CAD plots |
| Business Card | 85 × 55 | 300 dpi | CMYK | 3 mm | Standard BC — supply at 91×61 mm with bleed |
| PVC Banner | Custom | 100–150 dpi | CMYK / RGB | 20–50 mm | Allow extra for hem & eyelets |
| Vehicle Wrap | Custom | 72–150 dpi at size | CMYK | 20 mm | Full-scale template supplied on request |
| Wall Graphic | Custom | 72–100 dpi at size | CMYK | 20 mm | Include wall dimensions in your brief |
FAQ
Artwork & File
Questions Answered.
Don't worry — we can help. Our design team offers logo design, artwork creation and layout services. Send us what you have (even a rough sketch or Word document) and we'll quote for design alongside production. Alternatively, complete our logo design brief.
We do not recommend Word or PowerPoint files for print — fonts, spacing and colours often change between computers, and the resolution of embedded images is usually too low for quality printing. Please export to PDF or supply original design files. If you only have a .docx, send it and we'll assess it and advise.
It depends on the final print size. A logo used on a business card may be fine; the same file used on a banner will be pixelated. Send us the file and tell us the intended print size — we'll let you know if it works or recommend retracing it as a vector (which we can do for a small fee).
Only if your design goes right to the edge of the page (a "full bleed" design). If your design has a white border or margin, no bleed is needed. If it doesn't — backgrounds, images or colours touching the edge — you need 3 mm bleed on all sides to avoid a white sliver after trimming.
For most print jobs, use CMYK with the ISO Coated v2 (ECI) or Fogra39 colour profile in your PDF export. If you're in Illustrator or Photoshop, set your document to CMYK before starting. If you're unsure, just supply the file and we'll convert it — but note that some colours (particularly neon greens, vivid blues and bright oranges) cannot be fully reproduced in CMYK print.
For files under 10 MB, upload directly via our order form. For larger files, use WeTransfer (free up to 2 GB) or Dropbox and email the download link to office@printingcheap.co.uk. Please reference your order or quote number in the email subject.
Yes — same-day print and despatch is available on large format plans, posters and selected products when print-ready artwork is received before 10am, Monday to Thursday. Please call us on 01227 941 224 to confirm availability before placing a same-day order.
Yes, always. We send a soft proof (PDF) for your approval before any job goes to press. Production does not begin until you have approved the proof by email. For same-day jobs, we work through the proofing stage quickly — please be available to respond promptly.
Ready to order or need artwork help?
Upload your files via the order form, request a quote with design included, or call us on 01227 941 224 to discuss your project.