Print Workflow Guide - Printery | Print Production for Figma

Understanding the Print Workflow

Printery offers three ways to create print-ready files. Choose the approach that matches your situation and follow the streamlined workflow to professional results.

New to print design? This guide walks you through the complete process from design to print-ready PDF. Takes 10-15 minutes to understand the full workflow.

Three Ways to Start

Choose your starting point based on what you have:

Blank Document

Start from scratchCreate new print design with proper setup from the beginning.Use when:

New project
No existing design
Want perfect print setup

Time: 20-60 min

From Template

Use preset templatesStart with professionally configured template for your project type.Use when:

Common print item (business card, flyer, etc.)
Want quick start
Need proven setup

Time: 10-30 min

From Existing Frames

Export current designConvert your existing Figma design to print-ready format.Use when:

Design already created
Need to add print specs
Quick export needed

Time: 5-15 min

Decision Tree: Which Approach?

Do you have a design already?

Yes → Go to From Existing Frames (fastest)No → Continue to next question

Is it a common print item?

Yes (business card, flyer, brochure, etc.) → From Template (recommended)No (custom size or unique project) → Blank Document

How much time do you have?

Under 15 minutes → From Template (fastest setup)More time → Blank Document (most control)

Option 1: From Existing Frames ⚡ (Fastest)

Best for: You already have a design in Figma and need to make it print-ready.

Quick Workflow

Select Your Frames

In Figma:

Select the frame(s) you want to print
Frame should be at final print size (e.g., 8.5” × 11”)

Tip: If your frame is in pixels, convert to inches firstMultiple pages? Select all frames in order

Launch Printery

Open plugin:

Plugins menu → Printery
Or use keyboard shortcut

Choose: “From Existing Frames”Plugin will:

Detect your selected frames
Show current dimensions
Ready for configuration

Configure Print Settings

Document tab:

✓ Enable bleed (0.125” / 3mm)
✓ Enable crop marks
✓ Enable safety zones

Color tab:

✓ Convert to CMYK
Select ICC profile: ISO Coated v2 300% (default)
Rendering intent: Relative Colorimetric

Export tab:

DPI: 300
Compression: 85%
PDF Format: PDF/X-1a
✓ Embed fonts

Review and Adjust

Check your design:

Important content away from edges (0.25” minimum)
Backgrounds extend to bleed area
Images are high resolution
Text is readable (minimum 7-8pt)

Adjust if needed: Move elements, extend backgrounds

Export PDF

Click Export:

Plugin processes your design
Adds bleed automatically
Converts colors to CMYK
Generates print-ready PDF

Save PDF: Choose location and name

Verify Output

Open PDF and check:

Zoom to 400% - text should be crisp
All content present
Bleed extends beyond crop marks
Colors look reasonable (may differ from screen)

If good: Ready to send to printer! ✓

Common Adjustments for Existing Designs

My frame size is in pixels, not inches

Convert to print dimensions:

Calculate print size:

Pixels ÷ 300 = Inches

Example: 2550px × 3300px frame
2550 ÷ 300 = 8.5"
3300 ÷ 300 = 11"
Result: 8.5" × 11" (Letter size)

Resize frame in Figma:
- Select frame
- Change W/H to inches (8.5 × 11)
- Figma will scale content proportionally
Verify: Content should scale correctly

Content is too close to edges

Safety zone issue:Problem: Content within 0.25” of edge may be cut offSolution:

Enable safety zone guides in plugin
Move text/logos inside safety zone (0.25” from edge)
Keep backgrounds extending to bleed edge

Quick fix: Add padding to frame, move content inward

Backgrounds don't extend to edges

Bleed requirement:Problem: White gaps will show if cut slightly offSolution:

Extend background colors/images beyond frame edge
Plugin will automatically add bleed area (0.125”)
Your backgrounds should extend into bleed

How: Make background rectangles larger than frame (extend 0.125” beyond)

Images look pixelated at 300 DPI

Resolution issue:Check resolution:

Needed pixels = Print size (inches) × 300

Example: Image prints at 2" × 3"
Needed: 600px × 900px minimum

Your image: Check actual pixel dimensions
If less: Image too small

Solution:

Replace with higher resolution image
Or reduce printed size of image
Or accept slight quality loss (if not critical)

Option 2: From Template 🎨 (Recommended for Common Items)

Best for: Business cards, flyers, brochures, posters, and other standard print items.

Quick Workflow

Choose Template

In Printery plugin:

Select “From Template”
Browse available templates
Choose project type (business card, flyer, etc.)

Templates include:

Correct dimensions with bleed
Safety zones marked
Proper export settings pre-configured
Design guidelines

Customize Design

Template provides:

Frame at correct size
Bleed and safety zone guides
Placeholder content

You customize:

Replace placeholder text
Add your logo and images
Adjust colors to brand
Modify layout as needed

Follow Template Guidelines

Templates include guides:

Where to place text (safety zones)
Image resolution requirements
Color recommendations
Typography suggestions

Follow guides: Ensures professional results

Export with Pre-configured Settings

Settings already set:

Bleed: Enabled ✓
CMYK: Configured ✓
DPI: 300 ✓
PDF Format: PDF/X-1a ✓

Just click: Export button

Verify and Print

Quick check:

Open PDF
Verify content
Send to printer

Done: Usually works perfectly first time with templates

Available Templates

Business Templates
Marketing Templates
Packaging Templates
Publications

Professional materials:

Business cards (US 3.5” × 2”, EU 85 × 55mm)
Letterhead (8.5” × 11”)
Envelopes (#10 standard)
Compliments slips
Name badges

Pre-configured: Professional layouts, safety zones, print specsSee: Business Templates

Option 3: Blank Document 📄 (Maximum Control)

Best for: Custom sizes, unique projects, or when you want complete control from the start.

Complete Workflow

Create New Frame

In Figma:

Press F (Frame tool) or A (Rectangle)
Set dimensions to final print size
- Example: 8.5” × 11” for letter
- Use inches or mm (not pixels)
Name frame descriptively

Common sizes:

Letter: 8.5” × 11”
Tabloid: 11” × 17”
Business card: 3.5” × 2”
A4: 210mm × 297mm

Launch Printery

Open plugin:

Select your frame
Plugins → Printery
Choose “Blank Document”

Plugin will:

Detect frame size
Show you configuration options

Configure Document Settings

Document tab:

Bleed: Enable ✓, Amount: 0.125” (3mm)
Crop marks: Enable ✓
Safety zones: Enable ✓, Amount: 0.25” (6mm)
Registration marks: Optional

Plugin adds guides: Visual guides in Figma for bleed and safety zones

Design Your Content

Design with guides:

Extend backgrounds to bleed line (red guide)
Keep important content inside safety zone (green guide)
Use 300 DPI images (calculate: inches × 300 = pixels)
Use readable fonts (minimum 7-8pt for print)

Design tips:

Start with layout/grid
Add content systematically
Check alignment frequently

Configure Color Settings

Color tab:

Convert to CMYK: Enable ✓
ICC Profile: ISO Coated v2 300% (or printer’s spec)
Rendering intent: Relative Colorimetric
Black handling: Overprint black text ✓

Color tips:

Design with print-safe colors
Avoid neon/electric colors (can’t reproduce)
Use pure black (K100) for text

Set Export Options

Export tab:

DPI: 300 (standard for print)
Compression: 85% (balanced quality/size)
PDF Format: PDF/X-1a (most compatible)
Embed fonts: Enable ✓
Downsample images: Enable (if file size large)

Save preset: Save these settings for reuse

Export and Verify

Export:

Click “Export” button
Wait for processing (10 seconds - 2 minutes)
Save PDF to location

Verify:

Open in PDF viewer
Zoom to 400% (check sharpness)
Verify bleed extends
Check crop marks visible
All content present

Preflight Check (Recommended)

Adobe Acrobat (if available):

Tools → Print Production → Preflight
Run PDF/X-1a validation
Check for errors
Fix any issues found

Without Acrobat:

Manual checklist (see below)
Visual inspection

If passes: Ready to print! ✓

Universal Print Workflow (All Methods)

Regardless of which starting method you choose, follow this streamlined workflow:

The 5-Step Print Workflow

Quick Reference: Settings for Common Projects

Business Cards
Flyers & Posters
Brochures
Multi-Page Documents

Setup:

Size: 3.5” × 2” (US) or 85 × 55mm (EU)
Bleed: 0.125” (3mm)
Safety zone: 0.25” (6mm)

Settings:

CMYK: ✓ Enabled
Profile: ISO Coated v2 300%
DPI: 300
PDF: PDF/X-1a

Paper: 14-16pt cardstockSee: Business Cards Guide

Pre-Flight Checklist

Use this checklist before sending any file to the printer:

Essential Checks ✓

Advanced Checks (Recommended)

ICC profile correct: Matches printer’s paper/press
Black text overprints: No white gaps on colored backgrounds
TAC within limits: Total ink < 330% (or profile limit)
Barcodes present: If required (ISBN, UPC, etc.)
Color proofed: Soft proof or physical proof reviewed
Legal text included: Copyright, disclaimers, ingredients (if applicable)
Contact info accurate: Phone, website, email correct

Download: Printable PDF Checklist

Common Workflows by Project Type

Business Stationery Package

Project: Business cards + Letterhead + EnvelopesRecommended approach: From TemplateWorkflow:

Start with business card template
Customize with company branding
Use letterhead template (matching design)
Use envelope template (coordinated)
Export all three as separate PDFs
Send package to printer together (discount)

Time: 30-60 minutes totalCost savings: 10-20% ordering together

Event Marketing Materials

Project: Flyer + Poster + Postcard for same eventRecommended approach: Blank Document (then duplicate)Workflow:

Design flyer first (8.5” × 11”)
Duplicate and resize to poster (18” × 24”)
Adjust layout for larger size
Duplicate and resize to postcard (4” × 6”)
Simplify for smaller format
Export all three

Benefit: Consistent branding across materialsTime: 1-2 hours

Product Catalog

Project: 24-page product catalogRecommended approach: From Template (publication)Workflow:

Use catalog page templates
Set up master pages (headers, footers, page numbers)
Design in sections (cover, products, back)
Optimize all product images (300 DPI, resize before import)
Export in batches (10 pages at a time)
Combine PDFs

Critical: Image optimization before importTime: 4-8 hours

Product Packaging

Project: Custom product box with dielineRecommended approach: From Template (packaging)Workflow:

Get exact dieline from manufacturer
Import dieline into Figma
Lock dieline layer
Design within safe areas
Add barcode, legal text
Create physical mockup (print and fold)
Adjust design based on mockup
Export with spot colors (if special finishes)
Order printed proof before full run

Critical: Physical mockup and proofTime: 3-6 hours

Troubleshooting Quick Reference

Export Issues
Color Problems
Text Quality
File Size

Problem: Export fails or hangsSolutions:

Simplify file (flatten complex objects)
Reduce image sizes
Export in smaller batches
Restart browser
Try Figma desktop app

See: Export Errors Guide

Next Steps

After mastering the basic workflow:

Quick Start Guide

5-minute tutorial for your first export

Print Basics

Understand fundamental print concepts

Video Tutorials

Watch step-by-step video guides

Use Case Guides

Project-specific workflows

Color Management

Deep dive into color accuracy

Working with Printers

Professional printer communication

Frequently Asked Questions

Which method should I use?

Quick answer:

Have design already? → From Existing Frames
Common item (business card, flyer)? → From Template
Custom project? → Blank Document

All three work perfectly - just different starting points for efficiency.

Do I need to know about print design?

No - The templates and plugin handle technical details.However: Understanding basics helps avoid common mistakes.Recommended reading (10 minutes):

You’ll learn: Why bleed exists, color differences, resolution needs

Can I use Printery without changing my design?

Yes - “From Existing Frames” exports as-is.But might need adjustments:

Add bleed (backgrounds extend 0.125”)
Move content inside safety zones (0.25” from edge)
Ensure images high enough resolution

Minor adjustments (5-10 min) ensure perfect results.

How do I know if my settings are correct?

Use the defaults:

DPI: 300 ✓
Compression: 85% ✓
PDF Format: PDF/X-1a ✓
ICC Profile: ISO Coated v2 300% ✓

These work 95% of the time. Only change if:

Printer specifies different profile
File size too large (reduce compression)
Special requirements

What if my printer rejects the PDF?

Common causes:

Wrong PDF format → Re-export as PDF/X-1a
RGB instead of CMYK → Enable CMYK conversion
File too large → Reduce compression or image sizes
Missing fonts → Enable font embedding

Always: Ask printer their specifications upfront.See: Working with Printers

Pro workflow tip: Save your export settings as a preset in Printery after configuring once. This ensures consistency across all your projects and saves setup time.

Get Help

Questions or issues?

Check Troubleshooting guides
Watch Video tutorials
Read Complete tutorials
Join community forum
Contact support

Ready to start? Choose your approach above and follow the workflow to professional print-ready results! 🎨🖨️

Getting Started

Print Basics

Color Management

Features

Use Cases

In-Depth Tutorials

Troubleshooting

Reference

Licensing

Security & Support

​Understanding the Print Workflow

​Three Ways to Start

Blank Document

From Template

From Existing Frames

​Decision Tree: Which Approach?

​Option 1: From Existing Frames ⚡ (Fastest)

​Quick Workflow

​Common Adjustments for Existing Designs

​Option 2: From Template 🎨 (Recommended for Common Items)

​Quick Workflow

​Available Templates

​Option 3: Blank Document 📄 (Maximum Control)

​Complete Workflow

​Universal Print Workflow (All Methods)

​The 5-Step Print Workflow

​Quick Reference: Settings for Common Projects

​Pre-Flight Checklist

​Essential Checks ✓

​Advanced Checks (Recommended)

​Common Workflows by Project Type

​Troubleshooting Quick Reference

​Next Steps

Quick Start Guide

Print Basics

Video Tutorials

Use Case Guides

Color Management

Working with Printers

​Frequently Asked Questions

​Get Help

Understanding the Print Workflow

Three Ways to Start

Decision Tree: Which Approach?

Option 1: From Existing Frames ⚡ (Fastest)

Quick Workflow

Common Adjustments for Existing Designs

Option 2: From Template 🎨 (Recommended for Common Items)

Quick Workflow

Available Templates

Option 3: Blank Document 📄 (Maximum Control)

Complete Workflow

Universal Print Workflow (All Methods)

The 5-Step Print Workflow

Quick Reference: Settings for Common Projects

Pre-Flight Checklist

Essential Checks ✓

Advanced Checks (Recommended)

Common Workflows by Project Type

Troubleshooting Quick Reference

Next Steps

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Help