How to Export a PDF File for Print

Whether you're using an online printing service or working with a local printer, getting the setup right is important for great print results every time. Many errors can be avoided by knowing how to save your document as a print-ready PDF. Here’s how to do it using popular design tools.

 How to export a PDF file for print in Illustrator?

  1. Go to File > Save A Copy
  2. Name your file and choose where you’d like to save it on your computer
  3. For ‘Save As Type’ (Windows) or ‘Format’ (Mac OS), choose ‘Adobe PDF’ then click Save
  4. For the Adobe PDF Preset, select PDF/X-1a:2001
  5. Click Save PDF

How do I export a document to print in InDesign?

  1. Go to File > Export
  2. Name your file and choose where you’d like to save it on your computer
  3. For ‘Save As Type’ (Windows) or ‘Format’ (Mac OS), choose ‘Adobe PDF’ then click Save
  4. For the Adobe PDF Preset, select PDF/X-1a:2001
  5. Click Export

How to make a print-ready file in Microsoft Word?

  1. Go to File > Save As
  2. Name your file and choose a location to save it on your computer
  3. For ‘Document type’, select PDF, then click ‘Options’
  4. Under ‘PDF Options’, tick the boxes that says ‘PDF/A compliant’ and ‘Optimise image quality’
  5. Click OK to close the window, then press Save
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