How to Create a Print-Ready PDF: Canva, Illustrator, InDesign & Word

A print-ready PDF is the preferred way to supply artwork for most Wright Print products. Before exporting, make sure your document is the correct size, images are high resolution and any design running to the edge includes the required bleed.

Before creating your PDF

  • Set the document to the correct finished size.
  • Add 3mm bleed on each edge for most standard trimmed products where artwork runs to the edge.
  • Use high-resolution images, normally around 300dpi at final size.
  • Work in CMYK where your software allows it.
  • Keep important text and logos safely inside the trim edge.

How to export a print-ready PDF from Canva

  1. Open your finished design and select Share, then Download.
  2. Choose PDF Print as the file type.
  3. Include bleed if your design extends to the edge of the finished product.
  4. If your Canva plan provides a CMYK export option, select CMYK for professional print.
  5. Download the PDF and open it to check every page before uploading.

How to export a print-ready PDF from Adobe Illustrator

  1. Check the artboard size and document bleed settings.
  2. Go to File > Save As or Save a Copy and choose Adobe PDF.
  3. Use a suitable high-quality print/PDF preset.
  4. In Marks and Bleeds, ensure the document bleed settings are included where required.
  5. Save the PDF and inspect the exported file.

How to export a print-ready PDF from Adobe InDesign

  1. Go to File > Export.
  2. Choose Adobe PDF (Print).
  3. Select an appropriate high-quality print/PDF preset.
  4. Under Marks and Bleeds, include the document's bleed settings where required.
  5. Export and check the final PDF.

How to save a PDF from Microsoft Word

  1. Go to File > Save As or Export.
  2. Select PDF as the output format.
  3. Choose the option intended for standard/high-quality publishing rather than minimum file size.
  4. Save the PDF and check that fonts, images, page breaks and layout have remained correct.

Word isn't primarily a professional page-layout application, so artwork requiring edge-to-edge bleed can be easier to prepare in dedicated design software.

Check the PDF before uploading

Never assume the exported PDF looks exactly like the original design file. Open it and check the size, page count, spelling, images, fonts, colours and bleed. Upload the final print-ready PDF with your order and we'll check the supplied artwork before production.

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