> ## 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.

# Basics Video Series

> Learn Printery fundamentals through step-by-step video tutorials

## Getting Started with Printery

Master the basics of print-ready PDF creation with these beginner-friendly video tutorials. Perfect for designers new to print or the plugin.

<Note>
  **New to print design?** Start with Video 1 and work through in order. Each video builds on concepts from previous lessons.
</Note>

## Basics Video Series

### Video 1: Installation and First Export

<Card title="Your First Print-Ready PDF" icon="play" href="#">
  **Duration**: 8 minutes

  **What you'll learn**:

  * Installing Printery plugin
  * Understanding the plugin interface
  * Creating your first print-ready PDF
  * Opening and verifying the PDF output

  **Topics covered**:

  * Plugin installation from Figma Community
  * Basic interface tour (Document, Color, Export tabs)
  * Setting up a simple business card design
  * Exporting with default settings
  * Viewing results in PDF viewer

  **Prerequisites**: None - complete beginner friendly

  **Files included**: Sample business card Figma file
</Card>

**Key takeaways**:

* Printery makes PDF export simple
* Three main tabs: Document, Color, Export
* Default settings work for most projects
* Always verify your PDF after export

***

### Video 2: Understanding Bleed and Crop Marks

<Card title="Bleed Explained Simply" icon="play" href="#">
  **Duration**: 12 minutes

  **What you'll learn**:

  * What bleed is and why it's critical
  * How to set up bleed in Printery
  * Understanding crop marks
  * Safety zones for text and logos

  **Topics covered**:

  * Bleed concept with visual examples
  * Standard bleed amount (0.125" / 3mm)
  * Enabling bleed in Document tab
  * Extending backgrounds to bleed edge
  * Crop marks and trim lines
  * Safety zone: 0.25" from edge

  **Prerequisites**: Video 1 (Installation basics)

  **Common mistakes addressed**:

  * Not extending backgrounds to bleed
  * Placing text too close to edge
  * Confusing bleed with margin
</Card>

**Key takeaways**:

* Bleed = extra area beyond trim for cutting variation
* Standard: 0.125" (3mm) on all sides
* Always extend backgrounds to bleed edge
* Keep important content 0.25" from edge

***

### Video 3: RGB vs CMYK Color Basics

<Card title="Colors for Print - RGB to CMYK" icon="play" href="#">
  **Duration**: 15 minutes

  **What you'll learn**:

  * Difference between RGB and CMYK
  * Why screen colors look different when printed
  * Converting colors properly
  * Using ICC profiles

  **Topics covered**:

  * RGB (screen) vs CMYK (print) explanation
  * Color gamut and why some colors can't print
  * Enabling CMYK conversion in Color tab
  * Choosing ICC profile (ISO Coated v2 300%)
  * Soft proofing: previewing print colors
  * Setting realistic expectations

  **Prerequisites**: Videos 1-2

  **Demonstrations**:

  * Side-by-side RGB vs CMYK comparison
  * Common problematic colors (neon, electric blues)
  * Choosing print-safe colors from start
</Card>

**Key takeaways**:

* RGB (screen) ≠ CMYK (print)
* Some bright colors can't be reproduced in print
* Always enable CMYK conversion
* Use ISO Coated v2 300% if unsure of profile

***

### Video 4: Resolution and Image Quality

<Card title="DPI and Image Resolution Explained" icon="play" href="#">
  **Duration**: 10 minutes

  **What you'll learn**:

  * What DPI means for print
  * Why 300 DPI is the standard
  * How to check image resolution
  * Fixing low-resolution images

  **Topics covered**:

  * DPI (Dots Per Inch) explained simply
  * 300 DPI standard for print
  * Calculating needed image size
  * Formula: inches × 300 = pixels needed
  * Checking image resolution in Figma
  * Downsampling to reduce file size

  **Prerequisites**: Videos 1-3

  **Practical examples**:

  * Business card image sizing
  * Flyer photo requirements
  * When you can use lower DPI (large format)
</Card>

**Key takeaways**:

* 300 DPI is print standard
* Calculate: Print size (inches) × 300 = pixels needed
* Higher isn't always better (file size increases)
* Check all images before exporting

***

### Video 5: Export Settings Explained

<Card title="Mastering Export Settings" icon="play" href="#">
  **Duration**: 13 minutes

  **What you'll learn**:

  * Understanding all export settings
  * When to adjust compression
  * PDF format options (PDF/X-1a, etc.)
  * Font embedding

  **Topics covered**:

  * Export tab complete walkthrough
  * DPI setting: 300 for standard print
  * Compression: 85% balanced default
  * PDF Format: PDF/X-1a (most compatible)
  * Font embedding: why it's critical
  * Downsampling images for smaller files

  **Prerequisites**: Videos 1-4

  **Settings recommendations**:

  * Standard projects: 300 DPI, 85% compression, PDF/X-1a
  * High-quality: 300 DPI, 95% compression
  * Large files: Enable downsampling
</Card>

**Key takeaways**:

* 300 DPI, 85% compression, PDF/X-1a = good defaults
* Always embed fonts
* Compression affects file size and quality
* PDF/X-1a is most compatible format

***

### Video 6: Business Card Complete Workflow

<Card title="Business Card from Design to Print" icon="play" href="#">
  **Duration**: 20 minutes

  **What you'll learn**:

  * Complete business card creation
  * Proper setup from start to finish
  * Common mistakes and how to avoid them
  * Sending to printer

  **Topics covered**:

  * Setting up frame: 3.5" × 2" (US standard)
  * Adding 0.125" bleed
  * Designing with safety zones
  * Using pure black for text (K100)
  * Converting to CMYK
  * Exporting print-ready PDF
  * Verifying output
  * Communicating with printer

  **Prerequisites**: Videos 1-5

  **Full workflow demonstration**:

  * From blank Figma file to print-ready PDF
  * Real-world design considerations
  * Quality checks
  * What to send to printer
</Card>

**Key takeaways**:

* Proper setup prevents problems
* Safety zones protect important content
* Pure black (K100) for all text
* Always verify PDF before sending

***

## Quick Reference: Basics Checklist

**After watching all basics videos, you should know**:

* [ ] How to install and launch Printery
* [ ] What bleed is and how to set it up (0.125" / 3mm)
* [ ] Difference between RGB and CMYK
* [ ] How to enable CMYK conversion
* [ ] What DPI means (300 for print standard)
* [ ] How to check image resolution
* [ ] Basic export settings (300 DPI, 85% compression, PDF/X-1a)
* [ ] Why fonts must be embedded
* [ ] Safety zones for text (0.25" from edge)
* [ ] How to verify PDF output
* [ ] Complete workflow for simple projects

***

## Practice Projects

**After completing basics series, try these**:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Project 1: Simple Flyer" icon="file">
    **Goal**: Create 8.5" × 11" flyer

    **Practice skills**:

    * Setting up Letter size
    * Adding bleed
    * Using background images
    * Text safety zones
    * CMYK conversion

    **Success criteria**:

    * PDF exports successfully
    * Bleed extends properly
    * Images are 300 DPI
    * Text is readable and safe from edges
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Project 2: Postcard" icon="image">
    **Goal**: Create 4" × 6" postcard

    **Practice skills**:

    * Custom frame size
    * Front and back design
    * Image placement with bleed
    * Color conversion
    * Double-sided considerations

    **Success criteria**:

    * Both sides export correctly
    * All content extends to bleed
    * Colors look good in CMYK
    * 300 DPI throughout
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Project 3: Business Cards (10-up)" icon="address-card">
    **Goal**: Create sheet with 10 business cards

    **Practice skills**:

    * Multiple instances
    * Consistent spacing
    * Batch export
    * Efficient workflow

    **Success criteria**:

    * All 10 cards identical
    * Proper bleed on each
    * Efficient file organization
    * Print-ready output
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Common Questions (Basics)

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Do I need Adobe Acrobat?" icon="circle-question">
    **Short answer**: No, but helpful

    **What you need**:

    * PDF viewer (Preview on Mac, built-in on Windows)
    * Works for basic PDF checking

    **Adobe Acrobat helpful for**:

    * Preflight checking
    * Overprint preview
    * Professional verification
    * Not required for beginners

    **Free alternatives**:

    * Mac Preview: Built-in, basic checking
    * PDF-XChange Viewer (Windows): Free, good features
    * Browser PDF viewers: Basic viewing only
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if my colors look different?" icon="palette">
    **This is normal**: RGB (screen) vs CMYK (print)

    **What to do**:

    1. Accept some difference is inevitable
    2. Use soft proofing to preview
    3. Design with CMYK-safe colors
    4. Order test print for critical projects

    **See**:

    * Video 3: RGB vs CMYK basics
    * [Color Issues troubleshooting](/troubleshooting/color-issues)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="My printer rejected my PDF - why?" icon="triangle-exclamation">
    **Common causes**:

    * Wrong PDF format
    * File too large
    * RGB instead of CMYK
    * Missing fonts

    **Solutions**:

    1. Check: PDF/X-1a format selected
    2. Enable: CMYK conversion
    3. Enable: Font embedding
    4. Reduce: File size if over printer's limit

    **Always**: Ask printer their specifications first

    **See**:

    * [Export Errors troubleshooting](/troubleshooting/export-errors)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I know if my images are high enough resolution?" icon="image">
    **Check in Figma**:

    1. Select image
    2. Look at properties panel
    3. Note pixel dimensions

    **Calculate**:

    ```
    Needed pixels = Print size (inches) × 300

    Example: 2" × 3" image
    Needed: 600 × 900 pixels

    If your image: 1200 × 1800 pixels
    Result: ✓ Good (2× needed)
    ```

    **Rule**: Image pixels should be ≥ print dimensions × 300

    **See**: Video 4 (Resolution) for details
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use Printery for web graphics?" icon="globe">
    **No - wrong tool**

    **Printery**: Print-ready PDFs only

    * CMYK colors
    * 300 DPI
    * Bleed and crop marks
    * PDF format

    **For web**: Use Figma's built-in export

    * RGB colors
    * 72-96 PPI
    * PNG, JPG, SVG formats
    * No bleed needed

    **Different workflows**: Use right tool for each
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Next Steps After Basics

**Ready for more?** Continue your learning:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Advanced Video Series" icon="graduation-cap" href="/video-tutorials/advanced-series">
    **Covers**:

    * Advanced color management
    * Spot colors (Pantone)
    * Complex multi-page documents
    * Troubleshooting

    **For**: Intermediate users ready to level up
  </Card>

  <Card title="Project-Based Series" icon="folder-open" href="/video-tutorials/project-series">
    **Real projects**:

    * Magazine layout
    * Product packaging
    * Catalog design
    * Complete workflows

    **For**: Hands-on learning with real designs
  </Card>

  <Card title="Written Tutorials" icon="book" href="/tutorials/design-to-print">
    **Detailed guides**:

    * Design to print workflow
    * Color accuracy deep dive
    * Working with printers
    * Cost optimization

    **For**: In-depth written reference
  </Card>

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

    * Business cards
    * Flyers & posters
    * Brochures & booklets
    * Packaging & stickers

    **For**: Quick reference for specific projects
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Download Practice Files

<Note>
  **Practice files**: Download sample Figma files to follow along with video tutorials

  **Includes**:

  * Business card template (blank)
  * Business card example (completed)
  * Flyer template
  * Postcard template
  * Practice images (300 DPI)

  **How to use**: Duplicate to your Figma account and practice techniques from videos
</Note>

***

## Give Feedback

**Help us improve these tutorials**:

* Which videos were most helpful?
* What topics need more explanation?
* What should we cover next?
* Did you encounter any issues?

**Contact**: \[Support/feedback method]

***

<Tip>
  **Learning tip**: Watch each video, then immediately practice the techniques. Hands-on experience solidifies learning much faster than passive watching.
</Tip>

## Learn More

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

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

  <Card title="Export Settings" icon="sliders" href="/features/export-settings">
    Complete settings reference
  </Card>

  <Card title="Troubleshooting" icon="wrench" href="/troubleshooting/color-issues">
    Fix common problems
  </Card>
</CardGroup>