1. Choose Your Size & Add a 3 mm Bleed

We print in standard A-series sizes (A4, A5, etc.). For each design, add a 3 mm bleed on every side. That means your final artwork file will be 6 mm wider and taller than the finished trim size.

2. Bleed: Why It Matters

— What Is Bleed? Bleed is a 3 mm “overhang” of your background or non‐essential design elements that extends beyond the trim line.

— Why Do We Need It? If the paper shifts slightly during trimming, you won’t end up with a thin white edge. Instead, the background or image “bleeds” right to the edge.

— What Goes Into the Bleed? Only extend background colors, patterns, or images that you don’t mind losing a tiny sliver of. Do not place important text or logos in the bleed area; they might get cut off.

3. Safe Area (3 mm Inside the Trim)

Keep all vital information—like text, logos, or key images—at least 3 mm from the trim line. Because your file includes a 3 mm bleed on every side, you should keep crucial elements 6 mm from the overall edge of your artwork.

4. Image Resolution

— 300 dpi Minimum: Use high-resolution images to avoid blurry or pixelated prints. Avoid low-res images from random websites, as most don’t meet the 300 dpi requirement.

— Design Tools: In Canva, choose the highest quality download settings. In Photoshop, set 300 dpi when creating your new document or resizing images.

5. Colour Mode

— RGB vs. CMYK: Canva designs are in RGB by default. Printing requires CMYK, so your file will be converted at print time. This conversion may cause slight colour shifts, and we’re not responsible for these changes.

— In Photoshop, you can create a file directly in CMYK (recommended for print). If you’re working in RGB, convert by going to Image > Mode > CMYK, or use Edit > Convert to Profile with a suitable printer profile (like FOGRA39).

6. Things to Remember (Essential Content)

— Venue Details (name, address)

— Date & Time (accurate and clearly visible)

— QR Codes (high-resolution, within the safe area)

— Required Branding/Logos (festival, venue, sponsors, etc.)

7. Exporting Your File

— Accepted Formats: Print-ready PDFs, high-resolution JPEGs, or PNGs.

— In Canva: Choose “PDF Print,” then select “Crop marks and bleed” if available.

— In Photoshop: Save or export as a print-ready PDF (or high-res JPEG/PNG) at 300 dpi, CMYK, including a 3 mm bleed.

8. If You Get Bleed Wrong

— We’ll Let You Know: If your bleed is incorrect, we’ll contact you so you can fix and re-submit.

— No Proofs Provided: We don’t issue digital or physical proofs, so please double-check your files before sending.

— White Border Option: If you still can’t fix the bleed, we can add a 3 mm white border (with your approval). This may slightly alter the final look, but it ensures no important elements get trimmed away.

9. Final Checklist

— Correct Size & Bleed: Is your artwork file 6 mm bigger (width & height) than the trim size?

— Safe Area: Are your key elements at least 3 mm inside the trim line (6 mm from the outer edge)?

— Resolution: Are all images at least 300 dpi?

— Colour Mode: Did you set up your file properly in CMYK (or plan for RGB-to-CMYK conversion in Canva)?

— Essential Info: Venue, date, time, QR codes, sponsors/partners?

— Export Format: PDF, JPEG, or PNG with bleed and correct colour mode.

Following these steps will help you avoid common printing issues like trimmed text, fuzzy images, or unwanted white edges. Good luck and happy designing!