Reprints are expensive and slow, and almost all of them come from the same short list of avoidable mistakes. None of these are exotic — they are the everyday slips that catch people sending print files, and every one has a simple fix. Run through this list before you submit any artwork and your first print is far more likely to be your last. This guide is part of our complete print-prep guide.
Mistake 1 — Low-resolution images
The classic: an image that looked fine on screen prints blurry because it lacked the pixels for the size. Fix: check the pixel dimensions against your print size, use original (not social-media) photos, and use vector for logos. See image resolution for print.
Mistake 2 — RGB instead of CMYK
Artwork built in RGB gets converted to CMYK at the printer, and bright colours come back duller than expected. Fix: design in CMYK from the start and specify brand colours in CMYK or Pantone. See colour profiles & ICC.
Mistake 3 — No bleed, or content too close to the edge
Cutting has a slight tolerance, so artwork with no bleed can show a white sliver, and text near the edge can be trimmed off. Fix: extend the background ~3mm past the trim and keep text ~3–5mm inside it. This protects banners, stickers and posters alike.
Mistake 4 — Fonts that change
Send a file without embedding fonts and the printer's machine substitutes a different one, changing your text. Fix: export a print PDF that embeds fonts, or outline the text. See fonts & outlines for print.
Mistake 5 — Wrong file format
A low-res JPG, a screenshot or an editable Canva link instead of a proper print file. Fix: send a print-ready PDF. See file formats for printing and how to make a print-ready PDF.
Mistake 6 — Typos and unchecked proofs
The most painful mistake of all, because the print is technically perfect — it just has an error in it. Fix: proofread every word (especially phone numbers, dates and URLs), have a second person check it, and always review the printer's proof before approving.
The two-minute pre-flight
Before you submit, confirm: images sharp at size, colour in CMYK, bleed and safe area set, fonts embedded or outlined, correct file format, and every word proofread. Two minutes here saves a reprint. When unsure, ask the printer to check the file before the run — see the product range to get started.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common print mistakes? Low-resolution images (blurry), RGB instead of CMYK (dull colour), no bleed or text too near the edge (white slivers or cut-off text), un-embedded fonts (substituted), wrong file format, and unchecked typos.
How do I avoid a reprint? Run a two-minute pre-flight before submitting: images sharp at size, CMYK colour, bleed and safe area set, fonts embedded or outlined, a print-ready PDF, and every word proofread.
Why did my print come back blurry? The image lacked the pixels for the print size. Check pixel dimensions against the size, use original photos rather than social-media versions, and use vector files for logos. See image resolution for print.
Why are the colours duller than my screen? The artwork was likely built in RGB and converted to CMYK at print, where bright colours can't always reproduce. Design in CMYK from the start. See colour profiles & ICC.
