> ## 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.

# Design to Print Workflow

> Professional workflow from concept to final print-ready PDF

## Overview

This tutorial walks you through the complete process of creating print-ready designs in Figma, from initial setup through final export.

<Note>
  **Time Required**: 60-90 minutes
  **Skill Level**: Beginner to Intermediate
  **Project**: Business Card (easily adaptable to other projects)
</Note>

## Phase 1: Planning & Setup

### Step 1: Gather Requirements

**Before starting design**, collect all specifications:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Define Final Size">
    **Business card example**: 3.5" × 2" (US standard)

    **Document**: Write it down

    **Verify**: Confirm with printer if applicable
  </Step>

  <Step title="Determine Bleed">
    **Standard**: 0.125" (3mm)

    **Total design size**: Final + (bleed × 2)

    **Example**: 3.5" + 0.25" = 3.75" width

    **Calculate**: 3.75" × 2.25" total frame size
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check Color Requirements">
    **Questions to answer**:

    * CMYK or RGB?
    * Spot colors needed?
    * ICC profile specification?

    **Default**: CMYK, ISO Coated v2 300%

    **Brand colors**: Get Pantone numbers if available
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm Resolution">
    **Standard**: 300 DPI

    **Large format far viewing**: 150-200 DPI may be acceptable

    **Default to**: 300 DPI unless told otherwise
  </Step>

  <Step title="Collect Content">
    **Gather**:

    * All text (proofread before starting!)
    * Logos (vector/high-res)
    * Images (300 DPI at final size)
    * Brand guidelines

    **Save**: In organized folder
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Step 2: Set Up Figma Document

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create New File">
    File → New design file

    Name: "\[Project Name] - Print Ready"

    **Example**: "Business Card - John Doe - Print Ready"
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Up Frame">
    **Press `F`** for Frame tool

    **Size**: Include bleed

    **Example**:

    * Width: 3.75" (3.5" + 0.25" bleed)
    * Height: 2.25" (2" + 0.25" bleed)

    **Name**: "Card - Front" or "Design"

    **Position**: Top-left of canvas for organization
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Guides">
    **Enable rulers**: `Shift + R`

    **Drag guides** for:

    **Bleed line** (trim edge):

    * 0.125" from left
    * 0.125" from top
    * 3.625" from left (right edge)
    * 2.125" from top (bottom edge)

    **Safety zone**:

    * 0.375" from left (0.25" safety + 0.125" bleed)
    * 0.375" from top
    * 3.375" from left (right safety)
    * 1.875" from top (bottom safety)

    **Result**: Visual boundaries for content placement
  </Step>

  <Step title="Mark Zones (Optional)">
    **Create reference rectangles** (delete before export):

    **Bleed zone**: 3.75" × 2.25" (full frame)

    * Fill: None
    * Stroke: Red, 1pt
    * Label: "BLEED - Full design size"

    **Trim zone**: 3.5" × 2" (final size)

    * Fill: None
    * Stroke: Blue, 1pt
    * Label: "TRIM - Final card size"
    * Position: 0.125" from frame edges

    **Safety zone**: 3.25" × 1.75" (safe area)

    * Fill: None
    * Stroke: Green, 1pt
    * Label: "SAFE - Keep text/logos here"
    * Position: 0.375" from frame edges

    **Use**: Visual reference during design

    **Delete**: Before final export
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Phase 2: Design

### Step 3: Design Principles for Print

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Start with Background" icon="image">
    **First**: Establish background

    **Options**:

    * Solid color
    * Gradient
    * Pattern
    * Image

    **Critical**: Extend to frame edges (bleed area)

    **Why first**: Foundation for everything else

    **Example**:

    ```
    Rectangle (3.75" × 2.25")
    Fill: Brand color
    Position: 0,0 (covers full bleed)
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Hierarchy: Most Important First" icon="layer-group">
    **Order of importance**:

    1. Logo / Brand mark
    2. Name / Main headline
    3. Title / Subtitle
    4. Contact information
    5. Additional details

    **Design accordingly**:

    * Largest = Most important
    * Prominent position = Most important
    * High contrast = Most important

    **Test**: Squint test - what do you see first?
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Typography for Print" icon="font">
    **Minimum sizes**:

    * Name/headline: 18-24pt
    * Job title: 10-14pt
    * Contact info: 8-10pt
    * Absolute minimum: 6pt (avoid if possible)

    **Font choices**:

    * Professional: Helvetica, Garamond, Futura
    * Modern: Montserrat, Raleway, Lato
    * Avoid: Overly decorative, very thin weights

    **Kerning**: Check letter spacing

    **Leading**: Adequate line height (1.2-1.5× font size)

    **Alignment**: Consistent throughout
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Color Choices" icon="palette">
    **Design in RGB**, but think CMYK:

    **Avoid problem colors**:

    * Neon/fluorescent (can't print in CMYK)
    * Very bright blues (will be duller)
    * Pure RGB colors (check CMYK preview)

    **Use**:

    * Brand colors (get Pantone if available)
    * High contrast combinations
    * Print-safe colors

    **Test**: Convert early, check appearance

    **Pro tip**: Design with CMYK color picker if available
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Images & Graphics" icon="image">
    **Resolution**: 300 DPI at final print size

    **Calculate**:

    ```
    Printed size: 2" × 1.5"
    Required pixels: 2" × 300 = 600px wide
                      1.5" × 300 = 450px tall
    Minimum: 600 × 450 pixels
    ```

    **Vector preferred**: For logos, icons

    **Raster images**: High resolution only

    **Check**: DPI Checker in Printery
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Safe Zone Respect" icon="shield">
    **Critical rule**: Keep important content inside safety zone

    **Inside safe zone**:

    * All text
    * Logos
    * QR codes
    * Important graphics

    **Can extend outside**:

    * Background colors
    * Decorative elements
    * Non-critical graphics

    **Why**: Cutting tolerance (±1/32" typical)

    **Test**: Hide safety guide, looks OK?
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Step 4: Build Your Design

<Steps>
  <Step title="Place Logo">
    **Import**: File → Place image, or drag-drop

    **Vector (SVG)** preferred for logos

    **Position**: Within safety zone

    **Size**: Appropriate to hierarchy

    **Alignment**: Intentional (grid, guides)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Text">
    **Press `T`** for Text tool

    **Name/Headline**:

    * Size: 18-24pt
    * Weight: Medium to Bold
    * Position: Prominent

    **Supporting text**:

    * Size: 10-14pt
    * Clear, readable

    **Contact details**:

    * Size: 8-10pt minimum
    * Organized, easy to scan

    **Ensure**: All inside safety zone
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Visual Elements">
    **Shapes**, **lines**, **patterns**:

    * Enhance design
    * Don't overpower content
    * Extend to bleed if background

    **Balance**: White space vs content

    **Consistency**: Align elements intentionally
  </Step>

  <Step title="Apply Colors">
    **Use brand colors** where applicable

    **High contrast**:

    * Dark on light
    * Light on dark
    * Avoid mid-tone on mid-tone

    **Test readability**:

    * Can you read all text?
    * Does design work in grayscale?
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review Bleed">
    **Check**:

    * Background extends to frame edges?
    * No white gaps?
    * Design bleeds beyond trim line?

    **Fix**: Extend backgrounds to 3.75" × 2.25" (full bleed)
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Phase 3: Pre-Flight Checks

### Step 5: Quality Control

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Spelling & Proofreading" icon="spell-check">
    **Critical**: Read every word

    **Check**:

    * Names (correct spelling)
    * Titles
    * Contact information (phone, email, website)
    * All body copy

    **Pro tip**: Read backwards (catches typos better)

    **Get second pair of eyes**: Fresh review helps
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Image Resolution" icon="image">
    **All images must be** ≥ 300 DPI at print size

    **Check using**:

    * Manual calculation
    * Printery DPI Checker (recommended)

    **Formula**:

    ```
    Effective DPI = Image width (pixels) ÷ Printed width (inches)

    Example:
    Image: 900 pixels wide
    Printed: 3 inches wide
    Effective DPI: 900 ÷ 3 = 300 DPI ✓
    ```

    **If too low**: Replace with higher resolution image
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Text Readability" icon="eye">
    **Check minimum sizes**:

    * Important text: 10pt+
    * Fine print: 8pt minimum

    **Test**:

    * View at 100% (actual size)
    * Can you read all text easily?
    * Sufficient contrast with background?

    **Print test**: Print at actual size on regular paper

    **Adjust**: Increase size if needed
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Alignment & Spacing" icon="align-left">
    **Verify**:

    * Elements aligned consistently
    * Even spacing between elements
    * Visual balance

    **Use Figma's**:

    * Alignment tools
    * Distribution tools
    * Smart guides

    **Polish**: Professional appearance
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Safe Zone Compliance" icon="shield">
    **Final check**: All critical content inside safety zone

    **Safety zone boundaries**:

    * 0.25" (6mm) from trim edge
    * 0.375" from frame edge (accounting for bleed)

    **Verify**:

    * All text ✓
    * All logos ✓
    * All important graphics ✓

    **What's OK outside**: Backgrounds, decorative elements
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Color Check" icon="palette">
    **Review colors**:

    * Brand colors correct?
    * Sufficient contrast?
    * Any problematic bright colors?

    **Test**: Soft proof (CMYK preview if available)

    **Remember**: Screen ≠ print (some shift expected)

    **Spot colors**: Verify Pantone numbers if used
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Phase 4: Export for Print

### Step 6: Configure Printery

<Steps>
  <Step title="Select Frame">
    Click your design frame

    **Ensure**: Selecting correct frame if multiple
  </Step>

  <Step title="Launch Printery">
    **Method 1**: Right-click → Plugins → Printery

    **Method 2**: Plugins menu → Printery

    **Method 3**: Quick actions (`Cmd/Ctrl + /`) → "Printery"
  </Step>

  <Step title="Document Tab Settings">
    **Bleed**:

    * Enable: ✓
    * Amount: 0.125" (3mm)
    * Method: Manual (we designed with bleed)

    **Crop marks**:

    * Enable: ✓
    * Style: Standard
    * Color: Black

    **Safety zone**:

    * Enable: ✓ (for PDF guides)
    * Amount: 0.25" (6mm)

    **Registration marks**: Usually OFF (unless printer requests)

    **Page info**: Optional
  </Step>

  <Step title="Color Tab Settings">
    **Convert to CMYK**:

    * Enable: ✓

    **ICC Profile**:

    * Select: ISO Coated v2 300% (or printer-specified)

    **Rendering intent**:

    * Select: Relative Colorimetric (standard)

    **Black handling**:

    * Method: Automatic
    * Text: K100 (pure black)
    * Shapes: Rich black (C60 M40 Y40 K100)

    **Spot colors** (if applicable):

    * Add spot colors
    * Map to Pantone
    * Set density: 100%
  </Step>

  <Step title="Export Tab Settings">
    **DPI**: 300

    **Compression**: 85% (quality/size balance)

    **PDF Format**: PDF/X-1a (print standard)

    **Embed fonts**: Yes (subset)

    **Flatten transparency**: Yes (for PDF/X-1a)

    **Overprint black**: Yes (automatic)
  </Step>

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

    * Click "Check All Images"
    * Review results
    * All images should be ≥ 300 DPI ✓

    **If any fail**:

    * Replace with higher resolution
    * Re-check

    **All pass**: Continue to export
  </Step>

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

    **Choose location**: Desktop or project folder

    **Filename**: Descriptive

    * Example: "BusinessCard\_JohnDoe\_FINAL.pdf"

    **Save**

    **Wait**: Processing (few seconds)

    **Result**: Print-ready PDF created!
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Step 7: Verify PDF

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open PDF">
    Open exported PDF in viewer (Adobe Acrobat recommended)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check Crop Marks">
    **Verify visible**:

    * Crop marks at all four corners ✓
    * Outside the design area ✓
    * Clear and readable ✓
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify Dimensions">
    **Document properties** should show:

    * Page size: 3.75" × 2.25" (with bleed)
    * Trim box: 3.5" × 2" (final size)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Zoom In on Text">
    **Zoom to 200-400%**:

    * Text should be sharp ✓
    * No pixelation ✓
    * Clear edges ✓

    **If blurry**: Check DPI, re-export if needed
  </Step>

  <Step title="Zoom In on Images">
    **Zoom to 200-400%**:

    * Images crisp and clear ✓
    * No visible pixels ✓
    * Smooth gradients ✓
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check Colors (Soft Proof)">
    **In Acrobat** (if available):

    * View → Proof Colors
    * Set working space to CMYK

    **Look for**:

    * Major color shifts?
    * Acceptable appearance?

    **Remember**: Screen preview is approximate
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify Bleed">
    **Check**:

    * Design extends to page edges ✓
    * No white borders visible ✓
    * Backgrounds extend beyond trim marks ✓
  </Step>

  <Step title="Final Proofread">
    **Read all text one more time**:

    * Spelling correct ✓
    * Information accurate ✓
    * Phone/email/website correct ✓

    **Critical**: Errors in PDF = errors in print!
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Phase 5: Production

### Step 8: Submit to Printer

<Steps>
  <Step title="Prepare Specifications">
    **Document what you need**:

    ```
    Project: Business Cards
    Quantity: 500
    Size: 3.5" × 2" (standard US)
    Sides: Double-sided (or single)
    Paper: 350gsm coated cardstock
    Finish: Matte
    Special: None
    File: BusinessCard_JohnDoe_FINAL.pdf
    Bleed: 0.125" (3mm) included
    Timeline: [When needed]
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit Files">
    **Method**:

    * Upload to printer's website
    * Email (if file \< 10MB)
    * File transfer service (WeTransfer, Dropbox)

    **Include**:

    * PDF file
    * Specifications (if not in their system)
    * Any special instructions
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review Printer Proof (if provided)">
    **Digital proof**:

    * Check for any issues
    * Verify colors (approximate)
    * Confirm all content present

    **Approve or request changes**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Order Physical Proof (Recommended)">
    **Before bulk order**:

    * Request physical proof (\$10-50)
    * Verify actual printed colors
    * Check quality
    * Confirm all looks correct

    **Benefit**: Catch issues before 500 cards printed

    **Approve**: After reviewing physical proof
  </Step>

  <Step title="Approve for Production">
    **Once satisfied**:

    * Give final approval
    * Production begins
    * Wait for delivery

    **Timeline**: 3-10 business days typically
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Best Practices Summary

### Do's ✓

* Design at actual size + bleed
* Keep critical content in safety zone
* Use 300 DPI images
* Check spelling multiple times
* Extend backgrounds to bleed
* Test with physical mock-up
* Convert to CMYK
* Embed fonts
* Order a proof before bulk

### Don'ts ✗

* Place text at trim edge
* Use low-resolution images
* Forget to add bleed
* Skip proofreading
* Use problematic RGB colors
* Design without specifications
* Export without DPI check
* Print thousands without proof
* Rush the process

## Workflow Checklist

**Planning**:

* [ ] Final size determined
* [ ] Bleed calculated
* [ ] Content gathered
* [ ] Specifications confirmed

**Setup**:

* [ ] Frame created (with bleed)
* [ ] Guides added (bleed, trim, safety)
* [ ] Reference zones marked

**Design**:

* [ ] Background extends to bleed
* [ ] All content in safety zone
* [ ] Text ≥ 8pt minimum
* [ ] Images ≥ 300 DPI
* [ ] Colors print-safe
* [ ] Alignment intentional

**Pre-Flight**:

* [ ] Spelling checked
* [ ] DPI verified (all images)
* [ ] Text readable
* [ ] Safe zone respected
* [ ] Color review complete

**Export**:

* [ ] Document settings configured
* [ ] Color conversion enabled
* [ ] DPI set to 300
* [ ] PDF format: PDF/X-1a
* [ ] Fonts embedded
* [ ] DPI check passed

**Verification**:

* [ ] PDF opened and inspected
* [ ] Crop marks visible
* [ ] Text sharp (zoomed in)
* [ ] Images clear
* [ ] Bleed present
* [ ] Final proofread

**Production**:

* [ ] Specifications prepared
* [ ] File submitted
* [ ] Proof ordered (recommended)
* [ ] Quality approved
* [ ] Production approved

## Troubleshooting

**Problem**: Design doesn't look right in CMYK

**Solution**: Some RGB colors can't be reproduced in CMYK. Use CMYK-friendly colors or add spot colors for brand accuracy.

***

**Problem**: Images look pixelated in PDF

**Solution**: Images below 300 DPI. Replace with higher resolution images and re-export.

***

**Problem**: Text cut off at edges

**Solution**: Content too close to trim edge. Move inside safety zone (0.25" from trim).

***

**Problem**: White gaps around edges

**Solution**: Design doesn't extend to bleed. Expand backgrounds to full frame size (including bleed).

## Learn More

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Color Accuracy" icon="palette" href="/tutorials/color-accuracy">
    Get colors right in print
  </Card>

  <Card title="Preflight Checklist" icon="clipboard-check" href="/tutorials/preflight-checklist">
    Comprehensive pre-print checks
  </Card>

  <Card title="Working with Printers" icon="print" href="/tutorials/working-with-printers">
    Communicate with print shops
  </Card>

  <Card title="First Project" icon="rocket" href="/getting-started/first-project">
    Beginner-friendly walkthrough
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

<Info>
  **Success Tip**: Follow this workflow every time, and you'll consistently produce print-ready files that printers love!
</Info>