Jordan Kim
Jordan Kim Sustainability & Industry Editor at 4OVER4.COM
Question

What file format should I use for printing trading cards?

Answer

PDF is the preferred format for print. It locks your fonts, colors, and layout in place so nothing shifts on press.

  • Format: export a print-ready PDF.
  • Resolution: 300 DPI so images stay crisp.
  • Color mode: CMYK, not RGB, for accurate ink color.
  • Bleed: include 0.125 inches on all sides.
  • Fonts: outline or embed them to prevent substitution errors.

Always review the digital proof before you approve the run. A two-minute check catches cropping, color, and typo issues before they get printed.

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