Print file preparation

Design file guides

Step-by-step instructions for preparing your artwork files for print. Choose the guide that matches your software or workflow.

Guide 1 of 5

Using our templates

Our templates are pre-configured with the correct canvas size, bleed, safe zone, and colour profile. Starting from a template is the fastest way to ensure your file is print-ready.

Step 1

Download the template package

Go to the Templates page and find your product (tent, flag, banner, etc.). Click Download Template to receive a .zip file containing three versions: AI (Illustrator), PSD (Photoshop), and PDF (for reference). Open the version that matches your software.

Tip —Always use the template for your exact product. Sizes vary between products and reusing the wrong template is the most common source of errors.
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Step 2

Understand the guide layers

The template contains three locked reference layers that you should never delete or move:

  • Bleed line — the full print area including a 3 mm bleed margin on all sides.
  • Safe zone — keep all text and important graphics inside this boundary.
  • Cut line — the final trim edge of the finished product.
Important —Anything outside the bleed line will be cut off. Anything between the cut line and the safe zone may also be trimmed depending on cutting tolerance.
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Step 3

Place your artwork on the correct layer

Create a new layer below the three guide layers and place all your artwork there. This keeps the bleed, safe zone, and cut line visible at all times while you design. Use the PDF reference version side-by-side if you need a visual guide.

Tip —Name your artwork layers clearly (e.g. Background, Logo, Text). It makes reviewing your file much faster.
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Step 4

Export as a print-ready PDF

When your design is complete, go to File → Save As (Illustrator) or File → Export → Export As (Photoshop) and choose Adobe PDF. Select the preset PDF/X-1a:2001 or PDF/X-4. In the Marks and Bleeds panel, enable:

  • Crop marks
  • Use document bleed settings
Important —Do not use the "Smallest File Size" PDF preset — it compresses images and removes bleed data.
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Guide 2 of 5

Placing an AI file into Photoshop

Placing an Illustrator (.ai) file into Photoshop as a Smart Object keeps it fully scalable and non-destructive. This is the correct method — do not flatten or rasterise at the wrong resolution.

Step 1

Save and close your AI file first

Before placing, make sure your Illustrator file is saved and closed (or at least saved). Photoshop reads the saved version of the file, so any unsaved changes will not appear. If the AI file has multiple artboards, note which artboard number contains your artwork — you will need to select it in the next step.

Tip —Save your AI file as a regular .ai (not PDF-compatible AI) unless you specifically need legacy compatibility.
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Step 2

Use "Place Embedded" — not drag and drop

In Photoshop, go to File → Place Embedded… and select your .ai file. This places it as a Smart Object layer, which means you can scale it up or down freely without losing quality. Do not drag the file directly onto the canvas — this may rasterise it immediately at the wrong resolution.

Avoid —File → Place Linked creates a dependency on the original AI file location. If you move or rename the AI file later, the link breaks. Use Place Embedded for a self-contained document.
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Step 3

Select the correct artboard and set resolution

A dialog box will appear. If your AI file has multiple artboards, select the correct one from the dropdown. Set Resolution to 300 pixels/inch. Leave Constrain Proportions checked. Click OK.

  • Resolution: 300 ppi (anything lower will print blurry)
  • Mode: leave as-is (inherit from document)
  • Anti-aliasing: Art Optimized
Important —If this dialog does not appear, Photoshop may have already rasterised the file. Undo, and use File → Place Embedded from the menu instead.
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Step 4

Position, scale, and commit the Smart Object

After placing, Photoshop shows a bounding box with handles. Drag to position your artwork, and hold Shift while dragging a corner handle to scale proportionally. When you are happy with the size and position, press Enter (or click the checkmark in the toolbar) to commit the placement.

Tip —To edit the original Illustrator artwork later, double-click the Smart Object thumbnail in the Layers panel. It opens the AI file — make your changes, save, and the Photoshop document updates automatically.
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Guide 3 of 5

Exporting from Canva for print

Canva's default export settings are optimised for screen, not print. Follow these steps to export a file that meets our print requirements.

Step 1

Set your canvas size with bleed added

When creating a new Canva design, add 6 mm to both the width and height of your product's finished size to account for a 3 mm bleed on each side. For example:

  • A5 flyer (148 × 210 mm) → set canvas to 154 × 216 mm
  • A4 poster (210 × 297 mm) → set canvas to 216 × 303 mm
Tip —Check your product's exact dimensions on our website before setting up. Tent and flag sizes are not always standard paper sizes.
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Step 2

Keep key content inside the safe zone

The outer 6 mm on each side is the bleed area — keep it as background colour or pattern only. Place all text, logos, and important graphics at least 6 mm away from the canvas edge (i.e. 3 mm bleed + 3 mm safety margin). Canva does not have a built-in safe zone guide, so use a ruler or a rectangle shape as a reference while designing.

Important —Text or logos placed too close to the edge risk being clipped during cutting, even if they look fine on screen.
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Step 3

Export as "PDF Print" with crop marks

Click Share → Download in the top-right corner. In the File type dropdown, select PDF Print (not PDF Standard). Then tick the checkbox labelled "Crop marks and bleed". Click Download.

  • File type: PDF Print
  • Crop marks and bleed: enabled ✓
  • Flatten PDF: optional, leave off unless requested
Important —Do not use PDF Standard — it downsamples images and removes bleed data. PNG and JPG exports are not accepted for print.
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Step 4

A note on colour: Canva uses RGB

Canva designs are created in RGB colour mode. Professional printing uses CMYK. We convert your file to CMYK during the prepress process. However, be aware that some bright or vivid colours — especially neon greens, electric blues, and saturated reds — may shift slightly when converted.

  • Bright or neon colours may appear slightly less vivid in print.
  • If exact colour matching is critical (e.g. brand colours), contact us before ordering — we can do a colour proof.
  • For brand-accurate colour, consider providing a Pantone or CMYK value alongside your file.
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Guide 4 of 5

Colour setup for print

How to configure CMYK colour profiles, set up bleed, and avoid unexpected colour shifts in Illustrator and Photoshop.

This guide is coming soon. In the meantime, please contact us at support@umitent.com with any colour questions before submitting your file.

Guide 5 of 5

Fonts & text preparation

How to outline fonts in Illustrator, embed fonts in PDF, and ensure text stays within the safe zone.

This guide is coming soon. In the meantime, please contact us at support@umitent.com with any font or text questions before submitting your file.