How do I make sure my business cards print correctly?

Getting a clean print comes down to a few file settings and one final check before you approve. Nail these and you avoid the most common problems: color shifts, cut-off text, and blurry logos.

• Color mode - build in CMYK, not RGB, so screen colors match the print.
• Bleed - extend backgrounds 0.125" past the trim on all sides.
• Safe zone - keep important text at least 0.125" inside the trim line.
• Resolution - place images at 300 DPI so nothing looks soft.
• Proof - always review the digital proof and check alignment, color, and typos before approving.

The proof is your last chance to catch mistakes, so read every line before you sign off.