PRINTING ISSUES
What is Delaying Your Order?
Most print delays are preventable. Bad art files are the #1 reason orders get held — and they cost you time you don’t have, especially during a campaign or drive.
Know what to check before you upload. →
1 in 5
ORDERS DELAYED
BY FILE ISSUES
24–48h
TYPICAL DELAY
PER CORRECTION ROUND
ZERO
DELAYS IF YOUR FILE
IS RIGHT THE FIRST TIME
When Bad Art is Submitted: Order is flagged and held > CSR contacts you for a corrected file > Production clock restarts from zero > Your deadline moves
SECTION 1
Top Causes of Print Delays
Critical
Low Resolution/Blurry Art
Files designed for screens (72–96 DPI @100%) look sharp on your monitor but print soft, pixelated, or muddy. This is the single most common reason an order gets held.
THE FIX
All print files must be 300 DPI at the final printed size. No exceptions.
Critical
Missing or Wrong Bleed/Cut Lines
If your design doesn’t extend to the bleed line, you’ll get white edges after cutting. If content sits too close to the trim, it may be cut off. Both cause reprints.
THE FIX
Extend background/design 1/8″ (0.125″) beyond trim on all sides. Keep text and logos at least 1/8″ inside trim.
Common
RGB Color Mode Instead of CMYK
RGB is the color language of screens; it includes colors that ink cannot reproduce. When we convert RGB to CMYK for press, bright reds, blues, and oranges often shift dramatically.
THE FIX
Build and export your file in CMYK color mode. If you’re unsure, use our downloadable templates.
Common
Wrong File Size for Product
Submitting a 4×6″ file for an 18×24″ yard sign means we’d have to scale it up 4×. That’s a blurry, distorted print. The file must match the product dimensions you ordered.
THE FIX
Set your document to exact product dimensions before designing. Check the product spec sheet on the order page.
Frequent
Fonts Not Outlined or Embedded
If your file contains live text using fonts we don’t have, those fonts can get substituted. Your layout reflows. Words may disappear, change size, or overlap other elements.
THE FIX
Outline all text before export (Type → Create Outlines in Illustrator). Or embed all fonts in your PDF export settings.
Frequent
PNG Halos and Background Issues
Images exported as PNG with transparency sometimes carry a faint white or gray “halo” around edges; notably on dark backgrounds. Invisible on screen, visible in print.
THE FIX
Use flat-background files (no transparency) or ensure your PNG has a clean, feather-free transparent edge. Prefer PDF or EPS for logos.
Common
Text Too Close to Trim Edge
Cutting is mechanical. There’s a small variance in where the cut lands. Text, logos, or key content within 1/8″ of the trim line may be partially cut off; even when everything looks fine in your file.
THE FIX
Keep all critical content and graphics at least 1/8″ inside the trim line. Use our templates; the safe zone is already marked.
Frequent
Screenshots from A Phone
A screenshot of your design is a screen-resolution JPEG. A phone photo of a flyer is worse. Neither can produce a quality print. These files are rejected every time.
THE FIX
Submit the original design file exported as a press-ready PDF. If you only have a low-res image, contact us before ordering.
Not sure about your file?
Don’t guess and hope — it will delay your order. Use the pre-upload checklist below, or start a quote and ask our team to review your file before you commit to an order.
SECTION 2
Before You Upload; Confirm Every Item
PRE-UPLOAD FILE CHECKLIST – CHECK ALL 8 BEFORE SUBMITTING
SECTION 3
What We Accept vs. What Get’s Held
FILES THAT DELAY YOUR ORDER
✗ 72 or 96 DPI files — screen resolution, prints blurry
✗ RGB color mode — colors will shift unpredictably at press
✗ No bleed / no cut lines — white edges after cutting
✗ Live/unembedded fonts — text reflows or disappears
✗ Wrong product dimensions — file scaled up = blurry output
✗ Screenshot or phone photo — rejected every time
✗ Text on the trim line — likely to be cut off
FILES THAT PRINT WITHOUT DELAYS
✓ 300 DPI at final size — sharp, clean output every time
✓ CMYK color mode — colors match what presses produce
✓ Full bleed + marked trim/cut lines — clean edge-to-edge finish
✓ Fonts outlined/embedded — text appears exactly as designed
✓ Correct product dimensions + bleed — no scaling required
✓ Press-ready PDF, AI, or EPS — preferred file formats
✓ All content in the safe zone — nothing cut off at trim
SECTION 4
Quick Reference: File Specifications
Please take note of the critical information guidelines below.
| SPECS | REQUIREMENTS | COMMON MISTAKES | WHAT HAPPENS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | ☑ 300 DPI minimum | ⓧ 72 or 96 DPI (screen resolution) | Blurry, pixelated |
| Color Mode | ☑ CMYK | ⓧ RGB | Color shift at press, order held |
| Bleed | ☑ 0.125″ all sides | ⓧ No bleed/design stops at trim | White edges after cut |
| Safe Zone | ☑ 0.125″ inside trim | ⓧ Text/logos on the trim line | Content cut off |
| Fonts | ☑ Outlined or embedded | ⓧ Live fonts, not embedded | Text reflows or disappears |
| File Format | ☑ PDF, AI, EPS, TIFF | ⓧ JPEG screenshot, Word Doc, PNG | Rejected, order held |
| File Dimensions | ☑ Match ordered product exactly | ⓧ Smaller file submitted for larger product | Up-scaled, blurry result |
Ready To Order?
Your file is checked — now let’s get your materials to print. Start a quote, place your order, or chat with our team if you have questions about your file.
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