> ## 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.

# Quick Start Guide

> Create your first print-ready PDF in 5 minutes

## 5-Minute Quick Start

This guide will walk you through creating your first print-ready PDF file from Figma. No prior printing knowledge required!

<Note>
  **Already installed?** If you haven't installed the plugin yet, see the [Installation Guide](/getting-started/installation) first.
</Note>

## What You'll Create

In this quick start, you'll:

* Create a simple design with proper print settings
* Add bleed and crop marks
* Convert colors to CMYK
* Export a professional PDF

**Time Required**: 5 minutes

## Step 1: Create Your Design

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create a New Frame">
    Press `F` and create a frame. For this example, let's use **A4** size:

    * Width: **210mm**
    * Height: **297mm**

    <Tip>
      You can change units in Figma: Right-click the canvas → "Unit of measurement" → Choose mm, cm, or inches
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Some Content">
    Add any design elements:

    * Text with your name
    * A colorful shape or two
    * An image (if you have one)

    Don't worry about perfection - we're just learning the workflow!
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 2: Open Printery

<Steps>
  <Step title="Launch the Plugin">
    Press `Cmd/Ctrl + /` and type **"Printery"**, then press Enter

    Or: Resources → Plugins → Printery
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Your Frame">
    Make sure your frame is selected before opening the plugin
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 3: Configure Print Settings

### Document Settings

<Steps>
  <Step title="Add Bleed">
    In the **Document** tab:

    * Enable **"Add Bleed"**
    * Set bleed to **3mm** (default and most common)

    <Info>
      **What is bleed?** It's extra space around your design to prevent white edges after cutting. [Learn more about bleed](/basics/bleed)
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable Crop Marks">
    * Check **"Crop Marks"**
    * Leave other settings as default

    <Info>
      **What are crop marks?** Lines that show the printer where to cut. [Learn more](/basics/crop-marks)
    </Info>
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Color Settings

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enable CMYK Conversion">
    Switch to the **Color** tab:

    * Enable **"Convert to CMYK"**
    * Select **"ISO Coated v2 300%"** (good default for most printing)

    <Info>
      **Why CMYK?** Printers use CMYK ink, not RGB light. [Learn more](/color/rgb-vs-cmyk)
    </Info>
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Export Settings

<Steps>
  <Step title="Set DPI">
    Go to the **Export** tab:

    * Set DPI to **300** (print standard)
    * Leave compression at **85%** (good balance)
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 4: Check Image Quality (Optional)

<Steps>
  <Step title="Verify DPI">
    If you added images, go to the **DPI Check** tab:

    * See all images in your design
    * Check if any show **⚠️ warning** (below 300 DPI)
    * Replace low-resolution images if needed

    <Warning>
      Images below 300 DPI may look pixelated when printed!
    </Warning>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Step 5: Export Your PDF

<Steps>
  <Step title="Export">
    Click the big **"Export PDF"** button at the bottom
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save Your File">
    Choose where to save your PDF file
  </Step>

  <Step title="Success!">
    Your first print-ready PDF is ready! 🎉
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What Just Happened?

Let's review what the plugin did:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Added Bleed (3mm extra space)" icon="expand">
    Your design was extended 3mm beyond the trim line to prevent white edges if the cutting is slightly off.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Added Crop Marks" icon="scissors">
    Small lines were added outside your design to guide the printer's cutting machine.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Converted Colors to CMYK" icon="palette">
    RGB colors (screen colors) were converted to CMYK (printer inks) using a professional color profile.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Set Resolution to 300 DPI" icon="image">
    Your PDF was created at print quality (300 dots per inch) for sharp output.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Created a PDF/X File" icon="file-pdf">
    A professional PDF format that printers prefer and trust.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Verify Your PDF

To check your PDF:

1. **Open it in Adobe Reader or Preview**
2. **Zoom in to 100% or more** - Text should be sharp
3. **Look at the edges** - You should see the content extends beyond the page edges (that's the bleed)
4. **Check for crop marks** - Small lines outside the corners

<Check>
  If everything looks good, your PDF is ready to send to a print shop!
</Check>

## Common Settings Quick Reference

Here are the most commonly used settings:

| Setting         | Recommended Value  | Why                        |
| --------------- | ------------------ | -------------------------- |
| **Bleed**       | 3mm                | Standard for most printing |
| **Crop Marks**  | Enabled            | Guides cutting             |
| **ICC Profile** | ISO Coated v2 300% | Standard for coated paper  |
| **DPI**         | 300                | Print quality standard     |
| **Compression** | 85%                | Good quality/size balance  |

## What to Do with Your PDF

Your PDF is now ready for:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Upload to Print Shop" icon="upload">
    Send it to online print services like Moo, Vistaprint, or local printers
  </Card>

  <Card title="Email to Printer" icon="envelope">
    Most print shops accept PDFs via email
  </Card>

  <Card title="Review with Client" icon="eye">
    Share for approval before printing
  </Card>

  <Card title="Archive" icon="folder">
    Keep for future reprints
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Next Steps

Congratulations on creating your first print file! Now you can:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Create a Real Project" icon="briefcase" href="/getting-started/first-project">
    Design a professional business card with detailed instructions
  </Card>

  <Card title="Learn Print Basics" icon="graduation-cap" href="/basics/overview">
    Understand the concepts behind bleed, CMYK, and DPI
  </Card>

  <Card title="Explore Templates" icon="file" href="/templates/business-templates">
    Use pre-made templates for common print projects
  </Card>

  <Card title="Watch Video Tutorial" icon="video" href="/video-tutorials/basics-series">
    See the entire process in action
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Quick Tips for Better Results

<Tip>
  **Use High-Res Images**: Always use images that are at least 300 DPI at their final size
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Keep Important Content Safe**: Keep text and logos at least 3mm from the edge
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Test Print First**: For important projects, order a proof print before mass production
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Save Your Preset**: If you'll make similar files, save your settings as a preset for next time
</Tip>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Colors look different in PDF" icon="palette">
    This is normal! CMYK has a smaller color range than RGB. Check our [Color Management Guide](/color/overview) to minimize differences.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="PDF file is too large" icon="file">
    Try:

    * Reducing DPI to 300 (not higher)
    * Enabling image compression
    * Optimizing images in Figma first

    See [Troubleshooting File Size](/troubleshooting/file-size) for more solutions.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Text looks blurry" icon="font">
    Make sure:

    * DPI is set to 300
    * Text size is at least 6pt
    * You're using a clear font

    See [Text Quality Issues](/troubleshooting/text-quality) for help.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="No crop marks visible" icon="scissors">
    Crop marks appear outside your design area. Make sure you're viewing the full page in your PDF reader (not just the trim area).
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Need More Help?

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="FAQ" icon="circle-question" href="/troubleshooting/faq">
    Common questions answered
  </Card>

  <Card title="Discord Community" icon="discord" href="https://discord.gg/kUJZQEfdUF">
    Ask questions, get answers
  </Card>

  <Card title="Email Support" icon="envelope" href="mailto:support@cooderspro.com">
    Direct support from our team
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

<Info>
  **Pro Tip**: Bookmark this page for quick reference when setting up new print files!
</Info>