> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.printery.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Export Settings

> Configure DPI, compression, and PDF format options

## Export Settings Overview

The **Export Settings** tab controls how your design is converted to PDF, including resolution, file size, and PDF format compliance.

<Note>
  **Critical for quality**: Export settings determine if your PDF will be accepted by professional printers.
</Note>

## Accessing Export Settings

<Steps>
  <Step title="Select Frame">
    Click the frame you want to export
  </Step>

  <Step title="Launch Plugin">
    Plugins → Printery
  </Step>

  <Step title="Export Tab">
    Click **"Export"** tab in plugin interface
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Key Export Settings

### 1. DPI (Resolution)

**Dots Per Inch** - Image quality setting

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="300 DPI (Standard)">
    **Resolution**: 300 pixels per inch

    **Quality**: Professional print quality

    **File size**: Medium

    **When to use**:

    * **All professional printing**
    * Business cards
    * Brochures
    * Magazines
    * Books
    * Marketing materials

    ✅ **Industry standard** - Use this!

    **Why 300?**:

    * Human eye threshold (\~250-300 DPI)
    * Sharp text and images
    * Accepted by all printers
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="150 DPI (Draft)">
    **Resolution**: 150 pixels per inch

    **Quality**: Acceptable for proofing only

    **File size**: Small

    **When to use**:

    * Internal proofs
    * Quick reviews
    * Desktop printing
    * Email previews

    ⚠️ **NOT for final printing**:

    * Text may appear slightly soft
    * Images less sharp
    * Some printers reject
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="600 DPI (High-End)">
    **Resolution**: 600 pixels per inch

    **Quality**: Ultra high-resolution

    **File size**: Very large

    **When to use**:

    * Fine art prints
    * Large format (viewed close-up)
    * Photography portfolios
    * Museum quality

    **Trade-off**: Huge file sizes, longer processing

    **Usually unnecessary**: 300 DPI sufficient for most work
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Custom DPI">
    **Enter specific value**: 72-1200 DPI

    **Common custom values**:

    * 72 DPI: Screen-only
    * 150 DPI: Draft/proof
    * 200 DPI: Newspaper
    * 300 DPI: **Standard**
    * 600 DPI: High-end
    * 1200 DPI: Specialized (engraving, etc.)

    **Ask your printer** if specific DPI required
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### Effective DPI vs Output DPI

**Important distinction**:

**Output DPI** (what you set): 300 DPI

* How dense pixels are rendered

**Effective DPI** (actual image quality):

* Depends on source image resolution
* Can be lower if image is small

**Example**:

```
Source image: 600px × 600px
Printed size: 2" × 2"
Effective DPI: 600 ÷ 2 = 300 DPI ✓

Source image: 300px × 300px
Printed size: 2" × 2"
Effective DPI: 300 ÷ 2 = 150 DPI ✗ Too low!
```

**Use DPI Checker** (in plugin) to verify all images ≥ 300 DPI

See [DPI Guide](/basics/dpi-resolution)

### 2. Compression

**Balance between quality and file size**

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="None (Maximum Quality)">
    **Compression**: 0%

    **Quality**: Perfect, lossless

    **File size**: Largest

    **When to use**:

    * Color-critical work
    * Fine art
    * Photography portfolios
    * Maximum quality needed

    **Trade-offs**:

    * Very large files (10-50+ MB)
    * Slow email/transfer
    * Longer processing

    **Best for**: When quality is paramount
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Minimal (95%)">
    **Compression**: 5% reduction

    **Quality**: Near-perfect, visually lossless

    **File size**: Slightly smaller

    **When to use**:

    * High-quality work
    * Premium printing
    * Large images

    **Trade-offs**:

    * Still large files
    * Minimal savings

    **Sweet spot**: Quality + some size reduction
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Standard (85%)">
    **Compression**: 15% reduction

    **Quality**: Excellent, imperceptible loss

    **File size**: Moderate

    **When to use**:

    * **Most professional printing**
    * Business cards
    * Brochures
    * Standard materials

    ✅ **Recommended default**

    **Why 85%?**:

    * Excellent quality
    * Reasonable file size
    * Fast upload/email
    * Accepted by printers
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Medium (75%)">
    **Compression**: 25% reduction

    **Quality**: Good, slight visible loss on close inspection

    **File size**: Small

    **When to use**:

    * Large multi-page documents
    * Email-friendly files
    * Draft versions

    **Trade-offs**:

    * Slight quality loss
    * May show artifacts in gradients

    **Acceptable for**: Most uses, but not ideal
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Low (60%)">
    **Compression**: 40% reduction

    **Quality**: Fair, visible artifacts

    **File size**: Very small

    **When to use**:

    * Quick proofs only
    * Email previews
    * Internal reviews

    ⚠️ **NOT for final printing**:

    * Visible compression artifacts
    * Banding in gradients
    * Soft images
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

**Recommendation**: Use **85% (Standard)** for balance of quality and size

### 3. PDF Format

**PDF standard compliance**

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="PDF (Standard)">
    **Format**: Regular PDF

    **Compatibility**: Universal

    **Features**: All PDF features available

    **When to use**:

    * Digital distribution
    * Screen viewing
    * Desktop printing
    * When printer doesn't specify

    **Pros**:

    * Widely compatible
    * Flexible
    * Supports all features

    **Cons**:

    * May not be optimized for print
    * No guaranteed print compliance
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="PDF/X-1a">
    **Format**: Print-optimized PDF

    **Standard**: ISO 15930-1:2001

    **Requirements**:

    * All colors CMYK (no RGB)
    * All fonts embedded
    * No transparency
    * No layers

    **When to use**:

    * **Professional offset printing**
    * Commercial print shops
    * When printer requests PDF/X

    ✅ **Most common print standard**

    **Pros**:

    * Guaranteed print-ready
    * Printers accept without question
    * Predictable output

    **Cons**:

    * Stricter requirements
    * No transparency (flattened)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="PDF/X-3">
    **Format**: Advanced print PDF

    **Standard**: ISO 15930-3:2002

    **Requirements**:

    * CMYK or RGB with profile
    * All fonts embedded
    * Allows transparency
    * Color-managed

    **When to use**:

    * Modern print workflows
    * When RGB images needed
    * Advanced color management

    **Pros**:

    * More flexible than X-1a
    * Supports transparency
    * Better color management

    **Cons**:

    * Less universal
    * Some printers don't accept
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="PDF/X-4">
    **Format**: Latest print PDF

    **Standard**: ISO 15930-4:2003

    **Requirements**:

    * CMYK, RGB, or Lab
    * Transparency support
    * Layers support
    * Advanced features

    **When to use**:

    * Cutting-edge workflows
    * Digital print
    * Advanced designers

    **Pros**:

    * Most flexible
    * Modern features
    * Best quality

    **Cons**:

    * Not universally supported
    * Some printers can't handle
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

**Recommendation**:

* **PDF/X-1a** for offset printing (most reliable)
* **PDF/X-3** for modern digital printing
* **PDF (Standard)** when unsure

### 4. Font Embedding

**Ensures text displays correctly**

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Embed All Fonts">
    **Action**: Includes font data in PDF

    **Result**: Text appears exactly as designed

    **File size**: Slightly larger (+100-500KB)

    **When to use**:

    * **Always for professional printing**
    * Ensures consistency
    * Prevents substitution

    ✅ **Always enable**

    **Why important**:

    * Printer may not have your fonts
    * Substitution ruins layout
    * Professional standard
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Subset Fonts">
    **Action**: Includes only used characters

    **Result**: Smaller file size

    **File size**: Minimal increase

    **When to use**:

    * **Default setting**
    * Balances quality and size
    * Professional standard

    **How it works**:

    ```
    Font file: Full alphabet (26 letters) = 200KB
    Your text: "Hello" (5 letters)
    Subset: Only H, e, l, o = 40KB
    ```

    ✅ **Recommended**
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Don't Embed">
    **Action**: No font data included

    **Result**: Uses printer's fonts or substitutes

    **File size**: Smallest

    ⚠️ **Never use for professional printing**

    **Problems**:

    * Font substitution
    * Wrong typeface
    * Broken layout
    * Unprofessional result
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

**Recommendation**: Always **Embed fonts (subset)**

### 5. Image Handling

**How raster images are processed**

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Embed Images">
    **Action**: Includes full image data in PDF

    **Result**: Self-contained PDF

    **When to use**:

    * **Standard for print**
    * Sending to printer
    * Archiving

    **Pros**:

    * Single file
    * Complete package
    * No missing links

    **File size**: Larger (all image data included)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Downsample Images">
    **Action**: Reduces image resolution to match DPI

    **Result**: Smaller file, adequate quality

    **When to use**:

    * Large high-res images
    * File size critical
    * Images exceed needed DPI

    **How it works**:

    ```
    Source image: 3000 × 3000 px
    Print size: 2" × 2"
    Required: 600 × 600 px (at 300 DPI)
    Downsampled: 600 × 600 px
    Size savings: 80%
    ```

    **Recommendation**: Enable for efficiency
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Optimize Images">
    **Action**: Compress images intelligently

    **Result**: Best quality/size balance

    **When to use**:

    * **Default setting**
    * Balances quality and file size

    **Process**:

    * Removes unnecessary metadata
    * Applies appropriate compression
    * Maintains visual quality

    ✅ **Enable for best results**
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### 6. Transparency Handling

**How transparent elements are processed**

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Flatten Transparency">
    **Action**: Converts transparency to opaque layers

    **Result**: No transparency in PDF

    **When to use**:

    * **PDF/X-1a required** (mandatory)
    * Older print workflows
    * Maximum compatibility

    **Process**:

    ```
    Semi-transparent blue circle over red square
    ↓ (Flattening)
    Purple circle (mixed) over red square
    ```

    **Pros**:

    * Universal compatibility
    * Predictable output
    * No transparency errors

    **Cons**:

    * Can't edit transparency later
    * May create small artifacts
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Preserve Transparency">
    **Action**: Keeps transparency data

    **Result**: Live transparency in PDF

    **When to use**:

    * PDF/X-3 or PDF/X-4
    * Modern digital printing
    * Editable PDFs

    **Pros**:

    * Maintains editability
    * Cleaner output
    * No flattening artifacts

    **Cons**:

    * Not compatible with PDF/X-1a
    * Some printers can't handle

    **Check with printer** before using
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### 7. Overprint Settings

**How overlapping colors print**

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Automatic Black Overprint">
    **Action**: Black elements overprint automatically

    **Result**: Prevents registration gaps

    **When to use**:

    * **Enable for all professional printing**

    **What it does**:

    * Black text: Overprints ✓
    * Black lines: Overprint ✓
    * Other colors: Knockout (default)

    ✅ **Industry standard**

    See [Overprint Guide](/color/overprint)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Manual Overprint Control">
    **Pro Feature**: Specify overprint per element

    **When to use**:

    * Custom overprint needs
    * Spot color blending
    * Advanced workflows

    **Control**:

    * Per color
    * Per element type
    * Custom rules
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Export Workflow

### Recommended Export Process

<Steps>
  <Step title="Configure Document">
    **Document Tab**:

    * Bleed: 0.125" ✓
    * Crop marks: Enabled ✓
    * Safety zone: 0.25" ✓
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Color Options">
    **Color Tab**:

    * Convert to CMYK: ✓
    * ICC Profile: ISO Coated v2 ✓
    * Black handling: Automatic ✓
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Export">
    **Export Tab**:

    * DPI: 300 ✓
    * Compression: 85% ✓
    * Format: PDF/X-1a ✓
    * Embed fonts: Yes ✓
    * Flatten transparency: Yes ✓
    * Auto black overprint: Yes ✓
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run DPI Check">
    **DPI Checker Tab**:

    * Verify all images ≥ 300 DPI
    * Replace low-res images if needed
  </Step>

  <Step title="Export PDF">
    Click **"Export PDF"** button

    Choose save location

    Wait for processing (a few seconds)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify PDF">
    Open in PDF viewer

    Check:

    * Crop marks visible
    * Text sharp
    * Images clear
    * Colors look correct
  </Step>
</Steps>

## File Size Optimization

### Reducing File Size

**If PDF is too large**:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="1. Increase Compression" icon="file-zipper">
    **Change**: 85% → 75%

    **Savings**: 20-40% smaller

    **Quality impact**: Slight, usually acceptable

    **When**: File > 10MB and email/upload needed
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="2. Enable Downsampling" icon="down">
    **Action**: Reduce image resolution to needed DPI

    **Savings**: 30-60% smaller

    **Quality impact**: None if images are oversized

    **Example**:

    ```
    Image at 600 DPI → Downsample to 300 DPI
    File size: 50% smaller
    Quality: Identical (300 DPI sufficient)
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="3. Optimize Images Before Import" icon="image">
    **Process**:

    * Resize images to actual print dimensions
    * Remove unnecessary pixels
    * Compress before adding to Figma

    **Tools**: Photoshop, TinyPNG, ImageOptim

    **Result**: Much smaller source = smaller PDF
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="4. Remove Unused Assets" icon="trash">
    **Check design for**:

    * Hidden layers
    * Off-canvas elements
    * Duplicate images
    * Unnecessary effects

    **Clean up** before exporting
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### File Size Guidelines

| Project Type              | Target Size | Maximum |
| ------------------------- | ----------- | ------- |
| **Business Card**         | \< 2MB      | 5MB     |
| **Flyer (single page)**   | \< 5MB      | 10MB    |
| **Brochure (multi-page)** | \< 10MB     | 25MB    |
| **Booklet (10+ pages)**   | \< 20MB     | 50MB    |
| **Catalog (50+ pages)**   | \< 50MB     | 100MB   |

**If exceeding maximums**: Optimize using above methods

## Multi-Page Export

### Exporting Multiple Pages

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Multiple Frames → Single PDF">
    **Action**: Select multiple frames

    **Result**: One PDF with multiple pages

    **Page order**: Top-to-bottom, left-to-right in Figma

    **Use for**:

    * Brochures
    * Booklets
    * Catalogs
    * Multi-page documents
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="One Frame Per PDF">
    **Action**: Export frames individually

    **Result**: Separate PDF files

    **Use for**:

    * Different projects
    * Different specifications
    * Individual deliverables
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Spreads">
    **Action**: Two pages side-by-side

    **Result**: Spread PDF (facing pages)

    **Use for**:

    * Magazine layouts
    * Book spreads
    * Brochure previews

    See [Multi-Page Guide](/basics/multi-page)
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Output Filename

### Naming Your PDF

**Good naming conventions**:

```
✓ BusinessCard_Front_FINAL.pdf
✓ Brochure_8Pages_CMYK_300dpi.pdf
✓ Poster_18x24_ISOCoatedv2.pdf
✓ Flyer_v3_2025-01-15.pdf
```

**Include**:

* Project name
* Version (if multiple)
* Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
* Specs (optional but helpful)

**Avoid**:

```
✗ untitled.pdf
✗ design.pdf
✗ final final FINAL v2 (1).pdf
```

## Export Presets (Pro)

### Saving Export Settings

**Pro Feature**: Save commonly-used configurations

<Steps>
  <Step title="Configure All Settings">
    Set Document, Color, and Export tabs as desired
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save as Preset">
    Click "Save Preset"

    Name it: "Business Cards - CMYK 300DPI"
  </Step>

  <Step title="Reuse Anytime">
    For future projects:

    * Select frame
    * Choose preset from dropdown
    * All settings applied instantly
  </Step>
</Steps>

**Popular presets**:

* "Standard CMYK Print" (300 DPI, PDF/X-1a, ISO Coated v2)
* "US Offset Printing" (300 DPI, PDF/X-1a, SWOP)
* "High-Res Photography" (600 DPI, no compression, PDF/X-3)
* "Quick Proof" (150 DPI, 75% compression, standard PDF)

## Troubleshooting Export

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="PDF file size too large" icon="file">
    **Solutions**:

    * Increase compression (85% → 75%)
    * Enable image downsampling
    * Optimize source images
    * Remove hidden/unused elements

    See "File Size Optimization" above
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Export fails or hangs" icon="triangle-exclamation">
    **Causes**:

    * Very large file
    * Complex design
    * Memory limit

    **Solutions**:

    * Close other Figma files
    * Restart Figma
    * Simplify design (fewer effects)
    * Export in smaller batches
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Text looks blurry in PDF" icon="font">
    **Causes**:

    * DPI too low
    * Too much compression
    * Fonts not embedded

    **Solutions**:

    * Set DPI to 300
    * Reduce compression (75% → 85%)
    * Enable font embedding
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Colors different in PDF" icon="palette">
    **Causes**:

    * Wrong ICC profile
    * CMYK conversion
    * Uncalibrated monitor

    **Solutions**:

    * Verify correct ICC profile
    * Order physical proof
    * Remember: screen ≠ print
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Printer rejects PDF" icon="xmark">
    **Common reasons**:

    * Wrong PDF format
    * RGB instead of CMYK
    * Fonts not embedded
    * No bleed

    **Solutions**:

    * Use PDF/X-1a format
    * Enable CMYK conversion
    * Embed all fonts
    * Add 0.125" bleed
    * Ask printer for specifications
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Export Checklist

Before final export:

* [ ] **DPI set to 300**: Professional quality
* [ ] **Compression at 85%**: Quality + size balance
* [ ] **PDF/X-1a format**: Print-ready standard
* [ ] **Fonts embedded**: Subset embedding on
* [ ] **Transparency flattened**: If using PDF/X-1a
* [ ] **Black overprint enabled**: Automatic setting on
* [ ] **Images optimized**: Downsampling enabled
* [ ] **DPI check passed**: All images ≥ 300 DPI
* [ ] **File size reasonable**: Within target range
* [ ] **PDF verified**: Opened and inspected

## Learn More

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="DPI & Resolution" icon="image" href="/basics/dpi-resolution">
    Understanding print resolution
  </Card>

  <Card title="Color Conversion" icon="palette" href="/features/color-conversion">
    RGB to CMYK settings
  </Card>

  <Card title="Document Setup" icon="file" href="/features/document-setup">
    Bleed and crop marks
  </Card>

  <Card title="File Size Issues" icon="file-zipper" href="/troubleshooting/file-size">
    Optimize large PDFs
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

<Info>
  **Pro Tip**: Save your settings as a preset! Consistent export settings = consistent quality across all projects.
</Info>