What are some common factors that prevent a file from being Print-Ready?

Emma Davis
Emma Davis Content Strategist at 4OVER4.COM
May 8, 2025

Common factors that prevent a layout file from being Print-Ready include…. Document sized improperly. Colors set to RGB instead of CMYK. Spot colors not properly defined. Not allowing ample margins (putting information or borders closer than 1/4” from any trimmed edge). Resolution not high enough (should be minimum 300 dpi at 100% size). Bleeds not set up correctly (artwork should extend at least 1/8” past crop marks). Crop Marks missing or incorrectly placed. Missing fonts or images. Poor contrast between text and background. Spelling and grammar errors.

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