---
type: faq
title: "Do I need to send a print-ready PDF or can I just send a standard PDF?"
description: "Standard PDFs are not print-ready; a PDF exported with default or on-screen settings can carry low-resolution images and RGB colors that print poorly."
resource: https://www.4over4.com/faqs/prepress-files/do-i-need-to-send-a-print-ready-pdf-or-can-i-just-send-a-standard-pdf
tags: ["Printing Terms Glossary", "faq"]
generated:
  by: "process:4over4-mapp-build"
  at: 2026-10-20T21:01:19.542Z
timestamp: 2026-10-20T21:01:19.542Z
sources:
  - resource: https://www.4over4.com/faqs/prepress-files/do-i-need-to-send-a-print-ready-pdf-or-can-i-just-send-a-standard-pdf
    title: "Do I need to send a print-ready PDF or can I just send a standard PDF?"
status: stable
---

# Do I need to send a print-ready PDF or can I just send a standard PDF?

Standard PDFs are not print-ready. A PDF exported with default or on-screen settings can carry low-resolution images and RGB colors that print poorly, and it may be missing the bleed a press needs. A print-ready PDF is built specifically for commercial printing, so it reproduces your design as intended. Print-ready means high resolution: images should be 300 dpi at final size so nothing looks soft or pixelated. Include bleed and marks: export with 1/8 inch bleed so backgrounds reach the trimmed edge. Use CMYK color: convert to CMYK before export so colors do not shift unexpectedly. Embed your fonts: embedding or outlining type keeps your layout from reflowing at the printer. Setting Standard PDF Print-ready PDF Resolution Often low 300 dpi at size Color Usually RGB CMYK Bleed None 1/8 inch each side Fonts May be missing Embedded or outlined

| Setting | Standard PDF | Print-ready PDF |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Resolution | Often low | 300 dpi at size |
| Color | Usually RGB | CMYK |
| Bleed | None | 1/8 inch each side |
| Fonts | May be missing | Embedded or outlined |

[Order Classic Business Cards](https://www.4over4.com/product/classic-business-cards)

## Related questions

- [Can I print with bleed to avoid white borders?](https://www.4over4.com/faqs/prepress-files/can-i-print-with-bleed-to-avoid-white-borders)
- [Do files for event badges need bleed?](https://www.4over4.com/faqs/prepress-files/do-files-for-event-badges-need-bleed)
- [Do I need to create the design separately for double-sided products?](https://www.4over4.com/faqs/prepress-files/do-i-need-to-create-the-design-separately-for-double-sided-products)
- [Do I need to set up my adhesive vinyl prints with bleeds?](https://www.4over4.com/faqs/prepress-files/do-i-need-to-set-up-my-adhesive-vinyl-prints-with-bleeds)
- [How can I prepare PDFs for a print service provider?](https://www.4over4.com/faqs/prepress-files/how-can-i-prepare-pdfs-for-4over4-com-or-other-print-service-providers)
- [How should I provide artwork for a variable data print job like numbered stickers?](https://www.4over4.com/faqs/prepress-files/how-should-i-provide-artwork-for-a-variable-data-print-job-like-numbered-sticker)