> ## 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.

# Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

> Quick answers to common questions about Printery

## Getting Started

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Is Printery free?" icon="dollar-sign">
    **Free Version**: 5 trial exports with full feature access

    **Pro Version**:

    * $12/month or $48/year (founder yearly price, save 67%)
    * Unlimited exports
    * Advanced features (spot colors, custom ICC profiles)
    * Priority support

    You can try everything for free before upgrading.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I install the plugin?" icon="download">
    1. Go to [Figma Community](https://www.figma.com/community/plugin/1419316259939080556)
    2. Click "Install"
    3. Open Figma and press `Cmd/Ctrl + /`
    4. Type "Printery" and press Enter

    See [Installation Guide](/getting-started/installation) for details.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do I need printing knowledge to use this?" icon="question">
    **No!** The plugin is designed for beginners and professionals alike.

    * We have comprehensive tutorials
    * Templates for common projects
    * Automatic settings for most cases
    * Community support on Discord

    Start with our [Quick Start Guide](/getting-started/quick-start).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What file format does it export?" icon="file">
    **PDF** - the universal format for professional printing.

    Specifically:

    * PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 (print standards)
    * With embedded ICC profiles
    * CMYK or RGB color mode
    * Crop marks and bleed included

    All printers accept these PDFs.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Print Basics

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="What is bleed and do I need it?" icon="expand">
    **Bleed** = Extra 3mm space around your design to prevent white edges after cutting.

    **You need bleed if**:

    * Your design has color/images to the edge
    * There's no white border
    * You're printing professionally

    **You don't need bleed if**:

    * Your design has white margins all around
    * You're printing on a home printer

    See [Understanding Bleed](/basics/bleed) for details.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What's the difference between RGB and CMYK?" icon="palette">
    * **RGB** = Screen colors (light-based, more vibrant)
    * **CMYK** = Print colors (ink-based, slightly subdued)

    **Key point**: Not all RGB colors can be printed. Some will shift slightly.

    **What to do**: Always convert to CMYK for printing using Printery.

    See [RGB vs CMYK Guide](/color/rgb-vs-cmyk) for deep dive.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Why do my colors look different in the PDF?" icon="circle-half-stroke">
    This is **normal and expected**. Reasons:

    1. **RGB vs CMYK**: Printers use CMYK (narrower color range)
    2. **ICC Profile**: Different profiles = slight color variations
    3. **Monitor**: Your screen isn't color-calibrated
    4. **PDF Viewer**: May not display colors accurately

    **Solution**: Request a physical proof from your printer to see actual colors.

    See [Color Management](/color/overview) for details.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What DPI should I use?" icon="image">
    **Standard answer**: **300 DPI** for most printing

    **Specific cases**:

    * Business cards, brochures: 300 DPI
    * Large posters (viewed from distance): 150-200 DPI
    * Billboards: 50-100 DPI

    **How to check**: Use the DPI Checker tab in the plugin

    See [DPI & Resolution Guide](/basics/dpi-resolution).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How big should my bleed be?" icon="ruler">
    **Standard**: **3mm** (0.125") on all sides

    **Different cases**:

    * Small items (cards, flyers): 3mm
    * Large posters: 5-10mm
    * Books with binding: 3-5mm + gutter margin

    **US Standard**: 0.125" (same as 3mm)

    The plugin sets this automatically, but you can customize it.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Using the Plugin

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Which ICC profile should I use?" icon="palette">
    **Default recommendation**: **ISO Coated v2 300%**

    This works for 90% of projects (coated paper, European/global standard).

    **Other options**:

    * US printing: US Web Coated (SWOP) v2
    * Asian printing: Japan Color 2001
    * Uncoated paper: PSO Uncoated ISO 12647
    * **Not sure?** Ask your printer!

    See [ICC Profile Guide](/color/icc-profiles) for details.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do I need to convert text to outlines?" icon="font">
    **No!** Printery exports PDFs with embedded fonts.

    Text remains editable and vector in the PDF.

    **Exception**: If you use very unusual fonts and the printer has issues, you can flatten in Figma first.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I export multiple pages at once?" icon="files">
    **Yes!** Two ways:

    **Method 1**: Select multiple frames and export as multi-page PDF
    **Method 2**: Export each frame individually (separate PDFs)

    See [Multi-Page Documents Guide](/basics/multi-page).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I check if my images are high enough resolution?" icon="magnifying-glass">
    <Steps>
      <Step title="Open Plugin">
        Select your frame and launch Printery
      </Step>

      <Step title="Go to DPI Check Tab">
        Click "DPI Check" tab
      </Step>

      <Step title="Review Results">
        * ✅ Green = Good (300+ DPI)
        * ⚠️ Yellow/Red = Too low, replace image
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    See [DPI Guide](/basics/dpi-resolution) for fixing low-res images.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## File Issues

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="My PDF file is huge (over 100MB). How do I reduce it?" icon="file-zipper">
    **Common causes**:

    * Too many high-res images
    * Images larger than needed (over 300 DPI)
    * Unoptimized image compression

    **Solutions**:

    1. **Enable compression**: Export tab → Image Compression: 85%
    2. **Enable downsampling**: Reduce images to 300 DPI
    3. **Optimize in Figma**: Resize large images before exporting
    4. **Use JPG**: For photos, JPG compresses better than PNG

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

  <Accordion title="Export is taking forever / plugin is frozen" icon="hourglass">
    **Causes**:

    * Very large file (many high-res images)
    * Complex vector graphics
    * Browser/memory issues

    **Solutions**:

    1. **Wait**: Large files take time (5-10 minutes for 100+ MB)
    2. **Simplify**: Reduce complexity, flatten some layers
    3. **Restart**: Close and reopen Figma
    4. **Split files**: Export pages separately
    5. **Use Desktop App**: Better performance than browser

    See [Performance Issues](/troubleshooting/performance).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Printer rejected my file. Why?" icon="circle-xmark">
    **Common reasons printers reject files**:

    1. **Wrong color mode**: Still in RGB (need CMYK)
    2. **No bleed**: Missing required bleed
    3. **Wrong format**: Not PDF/X compliant
    4. **Low resolution**: Images below 300 DPI
    5. **Missing fonts**: Fonts not embedded
    6. **File too large**: Over their upload limit

    **Solution**: Export with Printery - it handles all these automatically.

    **Still rejected?** Contact printer for specific requirements.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="My text looks blurry in the PDF" icon="font">
    **Check these**:

    * [ ] DPI set to 300 (not lower)
    * [ ] Text not rasterized in Figma
    * [ ] Font size at least 6-8pt
    * [ ] PDF viewer zoom at 100%+
    * [ ] Not using a very thin font weight

    **Most common**: Text is actually fine, but PDF viewer is showing cached preview. Try re-opening PDF.

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

## Colors & Printing

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I use Pantone colors?" icon="stamp">
    **Yes!** Pro version supports spot colors including Pantone.

    **How to use**:

    1. Color tab → Spot Colors section
    2. Select from built-in Pantone library
    3. Map your design colors to Pantone

    **Note**: Spot colors require special printing (may cost more).

    See [Spot Colors Guide](/color/spot-colors).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I match my brand colors exactly?" icon="bullseye">
    **Three approaches**:

    1. **Get approved CMYK values**: Ask brand team for official CMYK
    2. **Use spot colors**: Print with Pantone for exact match
    3. **Custom color mapping**: Define exact CMYK for your RGB brand colors

    **Best**: Use Pantone spot colors for critical brand colors.

    See [Color Accuracy Tutorial](/tutorials/color-accuracy).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="My blacks look different - some are darker" icon="fill">
    This is **normal**!

    * **Pure black (K100)**: Lighter, used for text
    * **Rich black (C40 M30 Y30 K100)**: Darker, used for large areas

    **Why**: Pure black saves ink and avoids registration issues for small text.

    See [Black Handling Guide](/color/black-handling).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Will my print look exactly like my screen?" icon="desktop">
    **No** - and that's impossible due to physics.

    **Why**:

    * Screens emit light (RGB) - brighter
    * Printers use ink (CMYK) - more subdued
    * Paper affects color
    * Lighting affects how you see it

    **Solution**: Request a printed proof before full production.

    **Good news**: With proper color management, you can get very close!
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Working with Printers

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="What information does my printer need?" icon="print">
    **Provide these specifications**:

    * Final trim size (e.g., 90mm × 54mm)
    * Quantity needed
    * Paper type and weight (e.g., 350gsm coated)
    * Finish (matte, gloss, etc.)
    * Special features (spot UV, embossing, etc.)
    * Turnaround time needed

    **Attach**: Your print-ready PDF

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

  <Accordion title="How do I know if my file is print-ready?" icon="circle-check">
    **Checklist**:

    * [ ] PDF format (not PNG/JPG)
    * [ ] CMYK color mode (or spot colors)
    * [ ] 300 DPI resolution
    * [ ] 3mm bleed on all sides
    * [ ] Crop marks present
    * [ ] Safe area respected (text 3mm+ from edge)
    * [ ] File size reasonable (under 200MB)

    If all checked ✅ your file is print-ready!

    See [Preflight Checklist](/tutorials/preflight-checklist).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Should I order a proof before printing?" icon="eye">
    **Yes, for important projects!**

    **Proof types**:

    1. **Digital proof**: PDF review (free but not accurate for color)
    2. **Physical proof**: Actual print sample (costs \~\$10-50)

    **When to get proof**:

    * Critical projects (business cards, brand materials)
    * First time with a printer
    * Complex color requirements
    * Large print runs (saves money if there's an issue)

    **Skip proof**:

    * Simple projects you've done before
    * Very small quantities
    * Time-sensitive projects
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Plugin won't open / keeps crashing" icon="bug">
    **Try these in order**:

    1. **Refresh Figma**: Close and reopen completely
    2. **Clear cache**: Help → Troubleshooting → Clear cache
    3. **Update plugin**: Check for updates in Community
    4. **Try Desktop app**: If using browser
    5. **Reinstall**: Remove and reinstall plugin
    6. **Contact support**: If still broken

    Most issues resolved by cache clear + restart.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Frame not showing in plugin / can't export" icon="frame">
    **Check**:

    * Frame is selected before opening plugin
    * Frame is top-level (not nested deeply)
    * Frame has content (not empty)
    * Frame dimensions are reasonable (not 0×0)

    **Solution**: Select frame, close and reopen plugin.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Getting error messages on export" icon="triangle-exclamation">
    **Common errors**:

    **"Export failed"**: Usually network or memory

    * Try again
    * Close other apps
    * Use smaller file

    **"Invalid frame size"**: Frame too large/small

    * Check dimensions
    * Max usually \~10000px per side

    **"Image processing error"**: Problem with an image

    * Check which image failed
    * Re-embed or replace

    **Still stuck?** Email [support@cooderspro.com](mailto:support@cooderspro.com) with error message.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Pro Features

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="What's included in Pro?" icon="crown">
    **Pro Features**:

    * ✅ Unlimited PDF exports (vs 5 trial)
    * ✅ Spot color / Pantone support
    * ✅ Custom color mapping
    * ✅ Upload custom ICC profiles
    * ✅ Advanced overprint settings
    * ✅ Priority email support (same-day)
    * ✅ Early access to new features

    **Price**: $12/month or $48/year (founder yearly price, save 67%)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I cancel anytime?" icon="door-open">
    **Yes!** No contracts or commitments.

    * Cancel anytime from your account
    * No cancellation fees
    * Keep access until end of billing period
    * Can re-subscribe later

    **Free version** always available if you cancel.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is there a student/nonprofit discount?" icon="graduation-cap">
    **Contact us** at [support@cooderspro.com](mailto:support@cooderspro.com)

    We offer discounts for:

    * Students (with valid .edu email)
    * Nonprofits (with proof)
    * Educational institutions

    Include your use case and we'll help!
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Still Need Help?

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Discord Community" icon="discord" href="https://discord.gg/kUJZQEfdUF">
    Join 1000+ designers for real-time help
  </Card>

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

  <Card title="GitHub Issues" icon="github" href="https://github.com/coodersio/print-pdf-plugin/issues">
    Report bugs or request features
  </Card>

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

  <Card title="Documentation" icon="book" href="/getting-started/introduction">
    Browse complete documentation
  </Card>

  <Card title="Templates" icon="file" href="/templates/business-templates">
    Download ready-to-use files
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

<Info>
  **Can't find your question?** Ask in [Discord](https://discord.gg/kUJZQEfdUF) or email [support@cooderspro.com](mailto:support@cooderspro.com) - we usually respond within 24 hours!
</Info>