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How to Create Print-Ready Artwork for a Flyer or Poster in Adobe Illustrator

SW19 Design and Print – Wimbledon’s trusted local print partner

Creating professional, print-ready artwork in Adobe Illustrator is essential to ensure your flyer or poster prints exactly as intended—sharp, vibrant, and correctly sized. Whether you’re designing a promotional leaflet or an eye-catching event poster, following best practices helps avoid unexpected issues at the press stage. At SW19 Design and Print, we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to help you set up your artwork properly from the outset.

Step 1: Set the Correct Document Size

When starting your design, set up your document to match the final trimmed size of your flyer or poster. For example:

  • A5 flyer: 148mm x 210mm


  • A4 poster: 210mm x 297mm


  • A3 poster: 297mm x 420mm


Go to File > New, set the correct width and height, and make sure the unit is set to millimetres for UK-standard sizes.

Step 2: Add Bleed

Printers require artwork to extend slightly beyond the trim edge—this is known as bleed. Bleed ensures that your design runs to the edge of the page after trimming.

  • Add 3mm bleed on all sides.

  • In the New Document dialogue box, set the bleed to 3mm on the top, bottom, left and right.


This prevents any unwanted white borders around your final print.

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Step 3: Work in CMYK Colour Mode

Unlike screens that use RGB (Red, Green, Blue), commercial printers use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black).

Before you begin designing, convert your document to CMYK:

File > Document Colour Mode > CMYK Colour

This helps you achieve more accurate colour output in print.

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Step 4: Use High-Resolution Images and Linked Files

Ensure any images you place are:


  • 300dpi (dots per inch)


  • In CMYK colour mode


  • High-resolution (avoid low-res or web images)


Use File > Place to insert images, and remember to embed them or include linked files when sending your artwork.

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Step 5: Outline Fonts and Expand Strokes

To avoid font issues or changes during printing:


  • Select all text and go to Type > Create Outlines


  • Select all strokes and go to Object > Expand (tick both Fill and Stroke)


This ensures everything prints exactly as you designed it, even if the printer doesn’t have your fonts installed.

Step 6: Keep Important Elements Within the Safe Zone

Printers recommend keeping important content (e.g., text, logos, and calls to action) at least 5mm inside the trim edge.

Use guides to set this margin. This ‘safe zone’ ensures nothing critical gets trimmed off. ( See step 2 )

Step 7: Save and Export as a Print-Ready PDF

Once you’ve finished your design:


  • Go to File > Save As > Adobe PDF


  • Choose the PDF/X-1a:2001 or Press Quality preset


  • Tick "Use Document Bleed Settings"


  • Do not include printer’s marks unless requested


This creates a high-quality PDF that’s ideal for print with the correct bleed, colour mode, and fonts outlined.

Final Checks Before You Send to Print

Before sending your flyer or poster artwork, double-check:


  • Document size, bleed and colour mode are correct


  • Fonts are outlined


  • Images are high-resolution and embedded


  • You've saved a copy of the original .AI file for future edits


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Need Assistance? We're Here to Help

At SW19 Design and Print, we’re always happy to check your files and guide you through the process. If you’re unsure whether your artwork is print-ready, send it to us and we’ll do the rest.

CONTACT US0800 599 9597