One of the most common reasons brochures get delayed, reprinted, or look different from expectations is improper file preparation. Even the best brochure design can fail if the file is not print-ready.
Whether you are a business owner, marketing executive, or graphic designer, understanding how to prepare print-ready files for brochure printing ensures accurate colors, sharp images, and a professional finish.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything step by step — in simple terms — so your brochures print perfectly the first time.
1. Use the Correct File Size & Layout
Before designing, confirm the final brochure size:
- A4, A5, A6
- Bi-fold, tri-fold, or gate-fold
Important Tips:
- Design at actual size (1:1 scale)
- Confirm folding panels and margins
- Keep important text away from fold lines
📌 Always ask your printer for a size template if available.
2. Add Bleed & Safe Margins (Very Important)
What is Bleed?
Bleed is extra space added around the design to avoid white edges after trimming.
Standard Bleed:
➡️ 3 mm on all sides
Safe Margin:
- Keep text and logos 5–7 mm inside from edges
- Prevents cutting issues
✔️ Bleed ensures clean, professional edges
❌ No bleed = white lines after cutting
3. Set Color Mode to CMYK (Not RGB)
Printers use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black), not RGB.
Best Practices:
- Convert all colors to CMYK
- Avoid neon or screen-only colors
- Use solid blacks correctly (rich black if advised)
📌 RGB files may look bright on screen but dull in print.
4. Use High-Resolution Images Only
Low-quality images are the biggest reason brochures look unprofessional.
Image Requirements:
- 300 DPI resolution
- Use original images (not WhatsApp or web downloads)
- Avoid screenshots
✔️ Formats: TIFF, PSD, high-quality JPG
❌ Avoid: low-resolution PNGs or compressed images
5. Embed or Outline All Fonts
Fonts missing during printing can change your entire design.
Two Safe Options:
- Embed fonts in the PDF
OR - Convert text to outlines
📌 Outlining fonts ensures zero font replacement issues.
6. Choose the Right File Format
The most accepted print-ready format is:
✅ PDF (Preferred)
- PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4
- Preserves layout, fonts, and colors
Other Formats (Only if printer accepts):
- AI (Adobe Illustrator)
- InDesign packaged files
❌ Avoid Word, PowerPoint, or Canva exports unless approved.
7. Check Black Text & Thin Lines
- Small text should be 100% Black (K)
- Avoid multi-color black for body text
- Thin lines should be at least 0.25 pt
This ensures clarity and avoids blurred text.
8. Proofread Everything Carefully
Before sending files for printing:
- Check spelling & grammar
- Verify phone numbers, addresses, QR codes
- Confirm alignment and spacing
📌 Once printed, mistakes are costly.
9. Confirm Paper & Finish with Your Printer
Design depends on printing choices like:
- Matte or Glossy lamination
- GSM (130, 170, 250, 300)
- Folding and binding style
Always confirm these details before final export.
Final Checklist: Print-Ready Brochure File ✅
✔️ Correct size & layout
✔️ 3 mm bleed added
✔️ CMYK color mode
✔️ 300 DPI images
✔️ Fonts embedded or outlined
✔️ Exported as print-ready PDF
✔️ Proofread content
Conclusion
Preparing print-ready files for brochure printing is not complicated — it just requires attention to detail. Following these steps ensures your brochures look exactly as intended, with sharp text, accurate colors, and a premium finish.
At Raisecraft, we help businesses check and correct files before printing, ensuring error-free, professional brochure printing every time.