> ## 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.

# Print Workflow Guide

> Complete workflow for creating print-ready PDFs from Figma designs

## 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.

<Note>
  **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.
</Note>

## Three Ways to Start

Choose your starting point based on what you have:

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Blank Document" icon="file">
    **Start from scratch**

    Create new print design with proper setup from the beginning.

    **Use when**:

    * New project
    * No existing design
    * Want perfect print setup

    **Time**: 20-60 min
  </Card>

  <Card title="From Template" icon="clone">
    **Use preset templates**

    Start 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
  </Card>

  <Card title="From Existing Frames" icon="frame">
    **Export current design**

    Convert 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
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Decision Tree: Which Approach?

<Steps>
  <Step title="Do you have a design already?">
    **Yes** → Go to **From Existing Frames** (fastest)

    **No** → Continue to next question
  </Step>

  <Step title="Is it a common print item?">
    **Yes** (business card, flyer, brochure, etc.) → **From Template** (recommended)

    **No** (custom size or unique project) → **Blank Document**
  </Step>

  <Step title="How much time do you have?">
    **Under 15 minutes** → **From Template** (fastest setup)

    **More time** → **Blank Document** (most control)
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Option 1: From Existing Frames ⚡ (Fastest)

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

### Quick Workflow

<Steps>
  <Step title="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 first

    **Multiple pages?** Select all frames in order
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="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! ✓
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Common Adjustments for Existing Designs

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="My frame size is in pixels, not inches" icon="ruler">
    **Convert to print dimensions**:

    1. **Calculate print size**:
       ```
       Pixels ÷ 300 = Inches

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

    2. **Resize frame in Figma**:
       * Select frame
       * Change W/H to inches (8.5 × 11)
       * Figma will scale content proportionally

    3. **Verify**: Content should scale correctly
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Content is too close to edges" icon="triangle-exclamation">
    **Safety zone issue**:

    **Problem**: Content within 0.25" of edge may be cut off

    **Solution**:

    1. Enable safety zone guides in plugin
    2. Move text/logos inside safety zone (0.25" from edge)
    3. Keep backgrounds extending to bleed edge

    **Quick fix**: Add padding to frame, move content inward
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Backgrounds don't extend to edges" icon="image">
    **Bleed requirement**:

    **Problem**: White gaps will show if cut slightly off

    **Solution**:

    1. Extend background colors/images beyond frame edge
    2. Plugin will automatically add bleed area (0.125")
    3. Your backgrounds should extend into bleed

    **How**: Make background rectangles larger than frame (extend 0.125" beyond)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Images look pixelated at 300 DPI" icon="image">
    **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)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

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

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

### Quick Workflow

<Steps>
  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="Follow Template Guidelines">
    **Templates include guides**:

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

    **Follow guides**: Ensures professional results
  </Step>

  <Step title="Export with Pre-configured Settings">
    **Settings already set**:

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

    **Just click**: Export button
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify and Print">
    **Quick check**:

    * Open PDF
    * Verify content
    * Send to printer

    **Done**: Usually works perfectly first time with templates
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Available Templates

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Business Templates">
    **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 specs

    **See**: [Business Templates](/templates/business-templates)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Marketing Templates">
    **Promotional materials**:

    * Flyers (Letter, Tabloid)
    * Posters (18" × 24", 24" × 36")
    * Brochures (tri-fold, bi-fold)
    * Postcards (4" × 6", 6" × 9")
    * Door hangers
    * Rack cards

    **Optimized**: High-impact designs, proper bleed, print-ready

    **See**: [Marketing Templates](/templates/marketing-templates)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Packaging Templates">
    **Product packaging**:

    * Box templates (tuck-top, pillow box)
    * Labels (round, rectangular, wraparound)
    * Hang tags
    * Sticker sheets

    **Includes**: Dielines, fold marks, safe areas

    **See**: [Packaging Templates](/templates/packaging-templates)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Publications">
    **Multi-page documents**:

    * Magazine layouts
    * Catalog pages
    * Book covers and interiors
    * Newsletters
    * Annual reports

    **Features**: Master pages, grids, typography systems

    **See**: [Publication Templates](/templates/publication-templates)
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

## Option 3: Blank Document 📄 (Maximum Control)

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

### Complete Workflow

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create New Frame">
    **In Figma**:

    1. Press **F** (Frame tool) or **A** (Rectangle)
    2. Set dimensions to final print size
       * Example: 8.5" × 11" for letter
       * Use inches or mm (not pixels)
    3. Name frame descriptively

    **Common sizes**:

    * Letter: 8.5" × 11"
    * Tabloid: 11" × 17"
    * Business card: 3.5" × 2"
    * A4: 210mm × 297mm
  </Step>

  <Step title="Launch Printery">
    **Open plugin**:

    * Select your frame
    * Plugins → Printery
    * Choose "Blank Document"

    **Plugin will**:

    * Detect frame size
    * Show you configuration options
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="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
  </Step>

  <Step title="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! ✓
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Universal Print Workflow (All Methods)

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

### The 5-Step Print Workflow

<Steps>
  <Step title="1. Design Preparation">
    **Setup**:

    * [ ] Frame at correct print size (inches/mm)
    * [ ] Bleed area added (0.125" / 3mm)
    * [ ] Safety zones marked (0.25" / 6mm)

    **Content**:

    * [ ] All images minimum 300 DPI
    * [ ] Text minimum 7-8pt size
    * [ ] Backgrounds extend to bleed
    * [ ] Important content inside safety zone

    **Time**: 10-30 minutes
  </Step>

  <Step title="2. Plugin Configuration">
    **Document settings**:

    * [ ] Bleed enabled (0.125")
    * [ ] Crop marks enabled
    * [ ] Safety zones visible

    **Color settings**:

    * [ ] CMYK conversion enabled
    * [ ] ICC profile selected (ISO Coated v2 300% default)
    * [ ] Black text overprint enabled

    **Export settings**:

    * [ ] DPI: 300
    * [ ] Compression: 85%
    * [ ] PDF Format: PDF/X-1a
    * [ ] Fonts embedded

    **Time**: 2-5 minutes
  </Step>

  <Step title="3. Quality Check">
    **Before exporting**:

    * [ ] Spell check all text
    * [ ] Verify all content accurate
    * [ ] Check image quality in Figma
    * [ ] Confirm layout correct
    * [ ] Review colors (will shift to CMYK)

    **Tip**: Easier to fix now than after export

    **Time**: 5-10 minutes
  </Step>

  <Step title="4. Export PDF">
    **Export process**:

    * Click "Export" in plugin
    * Wait for processing
    * Save PDF file

    **Immediately verify**:

    * Open PDF in viewer
    * Quick visual check
    * Zoom in to check quality

    **Time**: 1-3 minutes
  </Step>

  <Step title="5. Final Verification">
    **Complete checklist**:

    * [ ] All content present and correct
    * [ ] Text is sharp (zoom to 400%)
    * [ ] Images look good quality
    * [ ] Bleed extends beyond crop marks
    * [ ] Colors acceptable (some shift normal)
    * [ ] File opens without errors
    * [ ] File size reasonable (\< 100 MB typical)

    **If all good**: Send to printer ✓

    **Time**: 5 minutes
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Quick Reference: Settings for Common Projects

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Business Cards">
    **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 cardstock

    **See**: [Business Cards Guide](/use-cases/business-cards)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Flyers & Posters">
    **Setup**:

    * Size: 8.5" × 11" (flyer) or 18" × 24" (poster)
    * Bleed: 0.125"
    * Safety zone: 0.25"

    **Settings**:

    * CMYK: ✓ Enabled
    * Profile: ISO Coated v2 300%
    * DPI: 300 (critical for image quality)
    * Compression: 85%

    **Paper**: 100 lb gloss text

    **See**: [Flyers & Posters Guide](/use-cases/flyers-posters)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Brochures">
    **Setup**:

    * Size: 11" × 8.5" (tri-fold flat)
    * Bleed: 0.125" all edges
    * Panel guides: 3.67" width each

    **Settings**:

    * CMYK: ✓ Enabled
    * DPI: 300
    * PDF: PDF/X-1a
    * Scoring required (for folds)

    **Paper**: 100 lb gloss text

    **See**: [Brochures Guide](/use-cases/brochures)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Multi-Page Documents">
    **Setup**:

    * Size: 8.5" × 11" (or custom)
    * Pages: Divisible by 4
    * Gutter margin: 0.5" (binding side)

    **Settings**:

    * CMYK: ✓ Enabled
    * DPI: 300
    * PDF: PDF/X-1a
    * Compression: 85% (manage file size)

    **Binding**: Saddle-stitch or perfect bound

    **See**: [Booklets Guide](/use-cases/booklets)
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

## Pre-Flight Checklist

Use this checklist before sending any file to the printer:

### Essential Checks ✓

* [ ] **Correct dimensions**: Frame is final print size
* [ ] **Bleed present**: 0.125" (3mm) on all edges
* [ ] **Safety zones respected**: Important content 0.25" from edge
* [ ] **All images 300 DPI**: Calculate inches × 300 = pixels needed
* [ ] **CMYK conversion enabled**: Colors converted from RGB
* [ ] **Fonts embedded**: Check PDF Properties → Fonts tab
* [ ] **Text readable**: Minimum 7-8pt, sharp when zoomed
* [ ] **PDF format correct**: PDF/X-1a (or printer's requirement)
* [ ] **File size acceptable**: Under printer's limit (typically \< 100 MB)
* [ ] **Spell check complete**: All text error-free

### 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](/tutorials/preflight-checklist)

***

## Common Workflows by Project Type

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Business Stationery Package" icon="briefcase">
    **Project**: Business cards + Letterhead + Envelopes

    **Recommended approach**: From Template

    **Workflow**:

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

    **Time**: 30-60 minutes total

    **Cost savings**: 10-20% ordering together
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Event Marketing Materials" icon="calendar">
    **Project**: Flyer + Poster + Postcard for same event

    **Recommended approach**: Blank Document (then duplicate)

    **Workflow**:

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

    **Benefit**: Consistent branding across materials

    **Time**: 1-2 hours
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Product Catalog" icon="book">
    **Project**: 24-page product catalog

    **Recommended approach**: From Template (publication)

    **Workflow**:

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

    **Critical**: Image optimization before import

    **Time**: 4-8 hours
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Product Packaging" icon="box">
    **Project**: Custom product box with dieline

    **Recommended approach**: From Template (packaging)

    **Workflow**:

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

    **Critical**: Physical mockup and proof

    **Time**: 3-6 hours
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Troubleshooting Quick Reference

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Export Issues">
    **Problem**: Export fails or hangs

    **Solutions**:

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

    **See**: [Export Errors Guide](/troubleshooting/export-errors)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Color Problems">
    **Problem**: Colors look wrong in PDF

    **Solutions**:

    * Verify CMYK conversion enabled
    * Check ICC profile selected
    * Use Relative Colorimetric rendering
    * Accept some shift is normal (RGB ≠ CMYK)
    * Order proof for critical work

    **See**: [Color Issues Guide](/troubleshooting/color-issues)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Text Quality">
    **Problem**: Text looks blurry or pixelated

    **Solutions**:

    * Ensure fonts embedded (don't rasterize text)
    * Use vector text, not images of text
    * Minimum 7-8pt size
    * Check PDF zoom to 400% (should be sharp)

    **See**: [Text Quality Guide](/troubleshooting/text-quality)
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="File Size">
    **Problem**: PDF file too large

    **Solutions**:

    * Optimize images BEFORE adding to Figma
    * Enable downsampling
    * Reduce compression to 75%
    * Remove hidden layers

    **See**: [File Size Guide](/troubleshooting/file-size)
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

## Next Steps

**After mastering the basic workflow**:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Quick Start Guide" icon="rocket" href="/getting-started/quickstart">
    5-minute tutorial for your first export
  </Card>

  <Card title="Print Basics" icon="book" href="/basics/print-basics">
    Understand fundamental print concepts
  </Card>

  <Card title="Video Tutorials" icon="play" href="/video-tutorials/basics-series">
    Watch step-by-step video guides
  </Card>

  <Card title="Use Case Guides" icon="briefcase" href="/use-cases/business-cards">
    Project-specific workflows
  </Card>

  <Card title="Color Management" icon="palette" href="/color/overview">
    Deep dive into color accuracy
  </Card>

  <Card title="Working with Printers" icon="handshake" href="/tutorials/working-with-printers">
    Professional printer communication
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Frequently Asked Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Which method should I use?" icon="question">
    **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.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do I need to know about print design?" icon="question">
    **No** - The templates and plugin handle technical details.

    **However**: Understanding basics helps avoid common mistakes.

    **Recommended reading** (10 minutes):

    * [Print Basics](/basics/print-basics)
    * [Bleed and Safety Zones](/basics/bleed-safety-zones)

    **You'll learn**: Why bleed exists, color differences, resolution needs
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use Printery without changing my design?" icon="question">
    **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.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I know if my settings are correct?" icon="question">
    **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
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if my printer rejects the PDF?" icon="question">
    **Common causes**:

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

    **Always**: Ask printer their specifications upfront.

    **See**: [Working with Printers](/tutorials/working-with-printers)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

<Tip>
  **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.
</Tip>

## Get Help

**Questions or issues?**

* Check [Troubleshooting guides](/troubleshooting/color-issues)
* Watch [Video tutorials](/video-tutorials/basics-series)
* Read [Complete tutorials](/tutorials/design-to-print)
* Join community forum
* Contact support

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