Do I need professional design software for homemade print projects?

No. You do not need Photoshop or Illustrator to create print-ready files. Browser-based and everyday tools handle most designs, such as business cards, flyers and postcards, as long as you set the file up for print rather than for the screen.

• Free design tools: online editors like Canva, and even PowerPoint, let you add images and text, adjust colors and export usable print files.
• Blank templates: many printers offer free blank templates with the correct size and bleed built in, which work in any editor you already have.
• Color mode: work in CMYK so printed colors match your expectations.
• Resolution: keep images at 300 DPI or higher at final size.
• Bleed: add about 0.125 inch on each side so nothing important gets trimmed off.
• Export: save the finished design as a 300 DPI PDF and preview the layout before you order.