---
type: faq
title: "What file format and color mode should I use for printing?"
description: "Send a print-quality PDF in CMYK with CMYK images and 1/8' bleed, because RGB or Pantone files get converted during processing and some colors shift."
resource: https://www.4over4.com/faqs/color-ink/what-file-format-and-color-mode-should-i-use-for-printing
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/color-ink/what-file-format-and-color-mode-should-i-use-for-printing
    title: "What file format and color mode should I use for printing?"
status: stable
---

# What file format and color mode should I use for printing?

A print-ready PDF is the standard format, and artwork should be built in CMYK color mode so colors reproduce accurately. Item Requirement File format Print-quality PDF Color mode CMYK Images CMYK, not RGB Bleed 1/8" (0.125") on each side If your file arrives in RGB or Pantone, it is converted to CMYK during processing, which can shift some colors. Converting to CMYK yourself before submitting gives you control over how those colors land. File arrives in What happens CMYK Prints as built RGB Converted to CMYK; bright colors can print duller Pantone Converted to the closest CMYK mix; some shades shift If a color profile is required, use SWOP (U.S. Web Coated); if your software allows it, choose no color profile. Bright blues, greens and oranges shift most when RGB is converted, so review colors after converting. Keep the same CMYK values across reorders so pieces match from batch to batch.

Send a print-quality PDF in CMYK with CMYK images and 1/8" bleed, because RGB or Pantone files get converted during processing and some colors shift.

| Item | Requirement |
| --- | --- |
| File format | Print-quality PDF |
| Color mode | CMYK |
| Images | CMYK, not RGB |
| Bleed | 1/8" (0.125") on each side |

If your file arrives in RGB or Pantone, it is converted to CMYK during processing, which can shift some colors. Converting to CMYK yourself before submitting gives you control over how those colors land.

| File arrives in | What happens |
| --- | --- |
| CMYK | Prints as built |
| RGB | Converted to CMYK; bright colors can print duller |
| Pantone | Converted to the closest CMYK mix; some shades shift |

- If a color profile is required, use SWOP (U.S. Web Coated); if your software allows it, choose no color profile.
- Bright blues, greens and oranges shift most when RGB is converted, so review colors after converting.
- Keep the same CMYK values across reorders so pieces match from batch to batch.

[Order Standard Flyers](https://www.4over4.com/product/flyers)

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