Common Artwork Errors to Avoid
These common mistakes cause print delays and quality issues. Learn how to identify and prevent them for perfect prints every time.
Quick Pre-Flight Checklist
- Images at 300 DPI
- 0.125" bleed on all sides
- CMYK color mode
- Fonts embedded or outlined
- Text 0.125" from trim edge
- PDF format (PDF/X-1a or X-4)
- Lines at least 0.5pt weight
- Transparency flattened
Low Resolution Images
CriticalThe Problem
Images appear pixelated, blurry, or jaggy when printed. Text in images is unreadable.
Common Causes:
- Using images from websites or social media (72-96 DPI)
- Enlarging small images beyond their pixel count
- Using screenshots in print designs
- Camera phone photos taken in low quality mode
Solution
Always use images at 300 DPI at the final print size. Get original high-resolution files from photographers or stock photo sites. Never download images from websites for print use.
Prevention Tip
Check resolution before placing images. Use the Links panel in InDesign/Illustrator to verify Effective PPI is 300+. Resolution Guide →
Missing or Incorrect Bleed
CriticalThe Problem
White edges appear around the print where colors should extend to the edge. Uneven borders on trimmed pieces.
Common Causes:
- Not extending background colors/images past trim line
- Setting bleed area but not extending artwork into it
- Incorrect document setup without bleed marks
- Using wrong template without bleed allowance
Solution
Add 0.125" (1/8 inch) bleed on all sides. Extend all backgrounds, images, and design elements that touch the edge past the trim line into the bleed area.
Prevention Tip
Set up document with bleed from the start. Use our templates with built-in bleed guides. Bleed Guide →
RGB Instead of CMYK Color Mode
High PriorityThe Problem
Colors look dull, muddy, or significantly different from what you expected. Bright neon colors appear muted.
Common Causes:
- Designing in RGB color mode (default in Photoshop)
- Not converting images to CMYK before placement
- Using RGB-only colors like electric blue or neon green
- Stock photos downloaded in RGB format
Solution
Convert all files to CMYK color mode before saving for print. CMYK has a smaller color gamut than RGB, so some bright colors will shift.
Prevention Tip
Start your project in CMYK mode. In Photoshop: Image > Mode > CMYK Color. In Illustrator: File > Document Color Mode > CMYK. Design Guidelines →
Font Problems
High PriorityThe Problem
Text appears in wrong font, characters are missing, or text looks scrambled. Spacing and alignment is off.
Common Causes:
- Fonts not embedded in PDF files
- Using system fonts that are not available to the printer
- Font corruption or incomplete font files
- Using web fonts (Google Fonts) without proper licensing
Solution
Embed all fonts when saving PDFs (in Acrobat/InDesign settings) OR convert all text to outlines/curves before saving.
Prevention Tip
In Illustrator: Type > Create Outlines. In InDesign: Export with "Subset fonts below 100%" option. Font Requirements →
Text Too Close to Edge
Common IssueThe Problem
Important text or elements are cut off or uncomfortably close to the trim edge.
Common Causes:
- Placing text right at the trim line
- Not accounting for cutting tolerance
- Ignoring safe zone margins
- Last-minute design changes pushing elements to edges
Solution
Keep all important content (text, logos, critical images) at least 0.125" (1/8 inch) inside the trim line. This safe zone prevents cutting into important elements.
Prevention Tip
Use safety margin guides in your template. Never place text closer than 0.125" from trim edge. Safe Zone Guide →
Wrong File Format
Common IssueThe Problem
File cannot be opened, layers are merged incorrectly, or transparency issues occur.
Common Causes:
- Submitting DOCX, PPT, or other non-print formats
- Using JPEG for graphics with transparency
- Submitting low-quality compressed files
- Using cloud-only formats (Google Docs, Canva)
Solution
Submit print-ready PDF files (PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 standard). We also accept AI, EPS, PSD (flattened), and high-quality TIFF files.
Prevention Tip
Save as PDF with press-quality settings. Embed fonts and convert to CMYK before exporting. File Formats →
Lines Too Thin
Common IssueThe Problem
Fine lines disappear, appear broken, or print inconsistently. Hairlines vanish entirely.
Common Causes:
- Using hairline stroke weights (0.25pt or less)
- Creating lines with very light colors on dark backgrounds
- Vector lines at minimum stroke width
- Thin reversed text (white on dark)
Solution
Minimum line weight should be 0.5pt (preferably 1pt) for solid printing. Reversed lines and small text should be bolder.
Prevention Tip
Test print at actual size to check line visibility. Avoid hairlines in final artwork. Line Requirements →
Transparency and Effects Problems
Common IssueThe Problem
Drop shadows have white boxes, gradients print banded, transparency effects look wrong.
Common Causes:
- Not flattening transparency before PDF export
- Placing RGB images with transparency on CMYK background
- Incompatible transparency blend modes
- Low-resolution transparency flattening
Solution
Flatten all transparency before exporting. Save as PDF/X-1a (flattens automatically) or manually flatten in your design software.
Prevention Tip
Use PDF/X-4 for modern workflows or PDF/X-1a for guaranteed compatibility. Preview in Acrobat with "Output Preview" to check. PDF Settings →
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