Copyable production template
Print-Ready PDF Checklist
Use this checklist before sending a PDF to a printer, client, or marketplace upload flow. It focuses on measurable production issues that commonly cause rejections or poor print output.
Last updated 2026-06-06 · Reviewed by Print Ready Tools.
File setup checks
Confirm that the PDF page size matches the requested trim or full bleed size. If the job requires bleed, artwork should extend to the bleed edge on every side that prints to the edge. Important content should remain inside the safe margin.
Check placed images at their final displayed size, not only their original pixel dimensions. A large image scaled up in the layout may have low effective PPI even if the source file looked large.
- Correct page size.
- Required bleed included.
- Safe margin respected.
- Images meet effective PPI target.
- No accidental crop or white border.
Export and proof checks
Embed or outline fonts according to the printer requirement. Remove hidden guide layers, comments, and unused objects when appropriate. Use the color profile requested by the printer rather than guessing.
Open the exported PDF in a separate viewer before delivery. Inspect the first page, last page, edges, fine text, QR codes, and any page with full-bleed artwork.
| Area | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Fonts | Embedded, outlined, or otherwise accepted by the printer |
| Images | Effective PPI is suitable for the product |
| Color | Profile and mode match printer instructions |
| Marks | Crop marks included only when requested |
| Proof | Exported PDF inspected outside the design app |
Related calculators and resources
Source and limitation note
This checklist does not replace a printer preflight system. Vendor specifications and proofing results are the final production authority.
Last updated 2026-06-06.