Question
What file format should I use for flyer printing?
Answer
PDF is the preferred file format for flyer printing. A press-quality PDF locks in your fonts, vector art, and layout so the file prints exactly as you designed it. Export it in CMYK color at 300 DPI with 0.125" bleed, and you will avoid the most common last-minute production problems.
- Format: press-quality PDF is the most reliable choice.
- Color: convert to CMYK so on-screen RGB colors do not shift on press.
- Resolution: 300 DPI at final size for crisp images and text.
- Bleed: include 0.125" on all sides for edge-to-edge designs.
- Fonts: embed all fonts or convert them to outlines so text never reflows.
- Alternatives: high-resolution JPEG or TIFF can work, and native files such as AI, PSD, and EPS are often accepted, but they do not preserve fonts and vectors as safely as a properly built PDF.
| Setting | Recommended value |
|---|---|
| File type | Press-quality PDF |
| Color mode | CMYK |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Bleed | 0.125" all sides |
| Fonts | Embedded or outlined |
If you design in Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign, export a flattened PDF with bleed and crop marks so nothing shifts on press.
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