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Artwork guidelines
We recommend all artwork to be supplied in PDF format. If you are supplying Indesign files please “package” them i.e. all links and fonts referenced in the document should be included. If you are uploading your design to purchase a product this must be either a PDF, JPEG, TIFF or PNG
How to use Artwork Versions
In the world of print, it's common for customers to require multiple artwork versions for the same product type – whether it be Posters, Business Cards, Leaflets or Display Boards.
Previously you would need to add individual jobs to the basket for each design version, which was tedious and often ended up costing more. For instance, the cost for 250x A6 Flyers on 300gsm is £45.00, whereas the cost for 1000x is £88.00. So if you had 4x versions and wanted 250x each – there was a big saving to be had!
Using our clever new ‘Artwork Version Feature’ you can now add multiple artwork versions of the same product specification together and reap the cost savings – oh yeah!
How to use Artwork Versions
Step 1: Select the number of Artwork Versions in the Yellow Box (for our example we have used 4)
Step 2: Set the quantity for each version and upload the artwork accordingly. Please note – you must upload each artwork version separately and ensure the quantity is correct for the artwork you have assigned.
You have the option to name each version – this is optional.
Step 3: Once you are happy, you will notice that the total quantity and price below the yellow box has updated. You can now proceed by clicking ‘Add to basket’ – and it’s job done!
*Top Tip – You can manually add versions by using the ‘Add Version’ button, and remove versions by using the ‘Trash Can’ icon.
If you require any help using this tool please feel free to contact our customer help team on 01293 660726
Rich Black/Black Text
We recommend a rich black is created with 100% Black, 40% Cyan, 40% Magenta & 40% Yellow. (Do not use “registration” as a Black in Indesign or Illustrator). There is no need to use any other colour other than 100% Black for Black text.
Colours
Colours must be set to CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black) this is because these are the colours used in the printing process. If you supply us RGB artwork we will convert it to CMYK but the colours may not print as you expect it to. For more detailed information on the difference between RGB and CMYK please see the below:
Comparison of RGB and CMYK Colour Spaces
- RGB (Red, Green, Blue):
- Additive Colour Model: Combines light of red, green, and blue to produce colors.
- Color Range: Wide gamut, capable of displaying vibrant and saturated colors.
- Usage: Primarily used in digital displays such as screens, monitors, and projectors.
- Black: Achieved by turning all colors off (0,0,0).
- CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black):
- Subtractive Colour Model: Layers cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks to absorb light and produce colors.
- Color Range: Narrower gamut compared to RGB, optimized for physical reproduction.
- Usage: Used in printing processes.
- Black: Achieved through the inclusion of black ink.
Reasons Why Colours on Screen Look Different Once Printed
- Colour Gamut Differences:
- RGB can display brighter and more vivid colors that CMYK cannot replicate.
- Specific neon or highly saturated colors visible on screen may appear duller in print.
- Lighting Environment:
- Screens emit light, making colors appear brighter and more vibrant.
- Prints rely on ambient light reflecting off the surface, which can mute colors.
- Paper Type:
- The texture and brightness of the paper affect how colors are perceived in print.
- Glossy paper can enhance colors, while matte paper tends to absorb more ink, dulling colors.
- Ink Absorption:
- Ink spreads and absorbs into paper, affecting color precision.
- Fine details and gradients may lose clarity in print.
- Device Calibration:
- Monitors and printers may not be calibrated the same way, causing color mismatches.
- A lack of color profiling between devices can lead to inconsistent results.
- Color Profiles:
- RGB devices use color profiles like sRGB or AdobeRGB, while printers rely on CMYK-based ICC profiles.
• Without proper conversion, colors may shift unexpectedly.
What's Bleed, Safe Zones and Trim lines - Areas That Matter in Professional Printing
Have you ever received printed leaflets, flyers or brochures and noticed a white edge where there should have been colour, or text sitting uncomfortably close to the edge? These issues are usually caused by artwork that hasn't been set up correctly for print.
To achieve a professional result, every print file should include bleed, respect the safe zone, and avoid placing important content too close to the trim edge.
Our guide below explains why these areas are so important.
What Is Bleed?
Bleed is the part of your artwork that extends beyond the final finished size of the document.
For most printed products, we recommend 3mm bleed on all sides. This means that background colours, images, patterns and any design elements intended to reach the edge of the page should extend 3mm beyond the trim line.
Why is bleed important?
Printing and finishing equipment is extremely accurate, but slight variations can occur during the trimming process. If your background stops exactly at the finished page size and the cut shifts slightly, a thin white line may appear around the edge.
By extending artwork into the bleed area, you ensure colour and images continue right to the edge even if minor movement occurs during trimming.
Good practice:
- Extend background colours to the bleed edge.
- Extend photographs and graphics that touch the edge of the page into the bleed area.
- Include 3mm bleed on all four sides unless specified otherwise.
What Is the Trim Line?
The trim line represents the final finished size of your printed product. This is where the paper will be cut after printing. These will appear on any PDF proofs we send you but won't appear on the finshed print.
For example:
- Finished A5 size = 210mm × 148mm
- With 3mm bleed = 216mm × 154mm
The printed sheet is produced larger than the finished size and then trimmed down to the trim line.
What Is the Safe Zone?
The safe zone (sometimes called the "quiet border") is an area inside the trim line where important content should be kept.
As a general rule, we recommend keeping all:
- Text
- Logos
- Contact details
- Important graphic elements
at least 3mm to 5mm inside the trim edge.
Why is the safe zone important?
Just as trimming can vary slightly, any content placed too close to the edge may appear uneven after cutting.
A design may technically print correctly, but text positioned near the trim can look unprofessional and difficult to read.
Using a safe zone helps ensure:
✅ Better visual balance
✅ Improved readability
✅ Reduced risk of content being trimmed
✅ A more professional finished product
Why Should Text Never Be Too Close to the Edge?
Text is one of the most common elements affected by poor artwork setup.
When text sits directly on or near the trim line:
- It can be partially cut off.
- It may look uneven even if it isn't cut.
- Small trimming tolerances become far more noticeable.
For example, a 1mm shift in trimming may be invisible on a coloured background, but it becomes very obvious when a line of text is positioned close to the edge.
That's why professional designers always leave adequate space around important content.
Common Artwork Mistakes
❌ No Bleed Added
Background colours and images stop at the trim edge, creating unwanted white borders after cutting.
❌ Images Not Extended Into Bleed
Photographs that reach the page edge but don't include bleed can leave visible gaps after trimming.
❌ Text Too Close to the Trim
Important information risks appearing uneven or being cropped.
❌ Logos Positioned Near the Edge
Branding can look unprofessional if it appears cramped against the edge of the page.
❌ Crop Marks Only
Crop marks help indicate where to cut, but they do not replace bleed. Artwork still needs to extend beyond the trim line.
Quick Artwork Checklist Before Sending to Print
Before uploading your artwork, check that:
✅ 3mm bleed has been added on all sides
✅ Background colours extend into the bleed area
✅ Images touching the edge extend into the bleed area
✅ Text and logos are kept at least 3mm to 5mm inside the trim line
✅ Crop marks are included if your software supports them
✅ The document size includes the bleed area
Need Help?
Not sure whether your artwork has been set up correctly? Our team is happy to check your files before they go to print.
A quick artwork review can often prevent delays, avoid unnecessary reprints, and ensure your finished product looks exactly as intended.
At Lollipop Print, we're always happy to help customers get the best possible results from their printed materials.
Working with white ink
Setting Up White Ink in Your Artwork Files
When printing with white ink, it is essential that your artwork clearly communicates where the white should be printed. This is done by creating a spot colour swatch named “White” and applying the correct attributes so the press recognizes it properly.
Below are step-by-step instructions for Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
1. Creating a White Ink Spot Colour
InDesign
-
Open the Swatches panel (
Window > Color > Swatches). -
Click the New Swatch button.
-
In the New Color Swatch dialog:
-
Set Color Type to Spot Color.
-
Name the swatch: White (exact spelling is important).
-
Pick any visible color (e.g., 100% Magenta or bright green).
Note: The actual color doesn’t matter – it’s just for visibility on screen. It will not affect the print.
-
-
Click OK to save.
Illustrator
-
Open the Swatches panel (
Window > Swatches). -
Click the New Swatch icon at the bottom.
-
In the Swatch Options dialog:
-
Set Color Type to Spot Color.
-
Name the swatch: White
- Pick any visible color (e.g., 100% Magenta or bright green).
Note: The actual color doesn’t matter – it’s just for visibility on screen. It will not affect the print.
-
-
Click OK to save.
Photoshop
Photoshop does not use swatches the same way. Instead, you’ll create a spot channel:
-
Open the Channels panel (
Window > Channels). -
From the panel menu, select New Spot Channel.
-
In the dialog:
-
Name it White
-
- Pick any visible color (e.g., 100% Magenta or bright green).
Note: The actual color doesn’t matter – it’s just for visibility on screen. It will not affect the print.
- Pick any visible color (e.g., 100% Magenta or bright green).
-
Set Solidity to 100% (so it displays clearly).
-
-
Paint on this channel with black to indicate where white ink should print.
Black = 100% white ink, gray = partial coverage, white = no ink.
2. Setting Overprint Attributes (InDesign & Illustrator)
For white ink to be recognized properly, the spot colour object must overprint. Otherwise, it may knock out the background.
InDesign
-
Select the object filled with the White swatch.
-
Open the Attributes panel (
Window > Output > Attributes). -
Tick Overprint Fill (and/or Overprint Stroke if using stroke).
Illustrator
-
Select the object with the White swatch.
-
Open the Attributes panel (
Window > Attributes). -
Tick Overprint Fill (and/or Overprint Stroke).
3. Photoshop Spot Channels
Photoshop handles white ink differently than vector software.
-
The White Ink spot channel acts as a mask for where the printer lays down white.
-
Paint areas solid black for 100% white ink, lighter grays for tints, and leave blank where no white is needed.
-
Save the file as a Photoshop PDF or TIFF with spot channels preserved.
4. File Delivery Checklist
✅ Spot colour named White created.
✅ Objects assigned to White swatch.
✅ Overprint enabled (InDesign & Illustrator).
✅ Photoshop spot channel correctly painted.
✅ File saved in correct format (PDF/X for vector, Photoshop/TIFF for raster).
Fonts
All fonts should be embedded in your PDF file. This is to make sure that the fonts used in the creation of your artwork are replicated when printed. If you do not embed the fonts, they may need to be substituted and may not match those used in your artwork. When you create your PDF the fonts are generally embedded but please check before sending us your files.
Image Resolution
Files that include images need to have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi (dots per inch), if not the images may appear pixelated or unclear.
Bleed
Please include at least 3mm bleed on all sides of your artwork, for example if you require 210mm x 297mm trimmed size please supply your artwork as 216mm x 303mm making sure text is at least 5mm away from the bleed area.
Imposition
Please leave this to us and supply your file as single pages or 1 up.
Paper sizes
In the UK, paper sizes follow the ISO 216 (A series) standard. Here are the most common paper sizes:
Popular Paper Sizes in the UK (ISO 216 - A Series)
- A0 – 841 × 1189 mm
- A1 – 594 × 841 mm
- A2 – 420 × 594 mm
- A3 – 297 × 420 mm
- A4 – 210 × 297 mm (most common for documents)
- A5 – 148 × 210 mm
- A6 – 105 × 148 mm
- A7 – 74 × 105 mm
Common Leaflet Sizes in mm
Leaflets come in various standard sizes, typically based on the A-series or custom formats:
- A4 Leaflet – 210 × 297 mm
- A5 Leaflet – 148 × 210 mm
- A6 Leaflet – 105 × 148 mm (postcard-sized)
- DL (1/3 A4) – 99 × 210 mm (popular for tri-fold leaflets)
- Square (Small) – 120 × 120 mm
- Square (Large) – 148 × 148 mm
Reference
Please supply a laser proof of your work or .jpg file for reference.
Using Canva? Follow the steps below to get the best file possible.
Here is what you need to do in Canva:
On the first page when it asks what you would DESIGN TODAY select “PRINT PRODUCTS” this will give you a variety of sizes to use.
First of all check the page size is what you need... a standard flyer is normally A5 210mm x 148mm or A4 297mm x 210mm.
Select FILE “View Settings” - in here select show “print bleed”
Then you need to extend any background images, past the actual page, so that it goes on to the BLEED AREA. This will get cut off eventually but it means your image will be the correct size and will have no white edges. Make sure there is no text in this area as it will get cut off, A safe zone of 3mm within the trim line is also recommended so nothing is clipped.
Once you have completed the design then select SHARE and DOWNLOAD
In the options for FILE TYPE scroll down and select PDF PRINT
In here tick the option for CROP MARKS and BLEED
Then press DOWNLOAD. Use this file to upload when ordering products on our site.
Any pictures that have CANVA written on are premium images which you cannot use without paying for therefore use the images that are free or purchase images from https://www.shutterstock.com/ or a similar service. Using free images downloaded from the internet will not be suitable for most print products.
If you find that you cannot create your design without any intervention from us we would charge £50 per hour to work on it for you, with a £15 minimum charge.
What is Encapsulation?
Encapsulation is the process of sealing a printed graphic between two layers of clear film (normally around 125microns, 250microns once combined), creating a durable, waterproof finish that protects the print from dirt, moisture, tearing, and wear.
Unlike laminating, where a protective film is applied to one or both surfaces, encapsulation completely encloses the print with a sealed edge around all sides. This is normally around 3mm on all edges after the print has been trimmed to the finsihed size. For exaplme an A1 poster (841mm x 594mm) with encapsultion will be 847mm x 600mm.
Benefits of encapsulation:
- Protects against water and weather
- Increases durability and lifespan
- Resists tearing and handling damage
- Easy to wipe clean
- Ideal for menus, notices, educational materials, and frequently used displays
Please note that encapsulated prints are generally more difficult to recycle than non-encapsulated prints because they consist of multiple bonded materials.
What is Lamination?
What is Lamination?
Lamination is the process of applying a thin protective film (normally around 25microns) to one or both sides of a printed sheet. The film is bonded to the surface of the print to improve durability, enhance appearance, and protect against scratches, moisture, and everyday wear.
Lamination is available in a range of finishes, including gloss, matt, and soft-touch, allowing you to achieve the look and feel best suited to your application.
Benefits of lamination:
- Protects against scratches and scuffs
- Improves durability and longevity
- Enhances print appearance and colour vibrancy
- Helps resist moisture and dirt
- Available in gloss, matt, and specialist finishes
Lamination differs from encapsulation because the protective film is applied directly to the surface of the print and does not create a sealed border around the edges.
Different paper types explained
Silk: Silk coated paper has a smooth, silky finish. It is neither as glossy as gloss-coated paper nor as matte as uncoated paper, offering a balance between the two. This paper type undergoes a coating process that enhances its texture and visual appeal. Writing on silk-coated paper with regular pens can be difficult as the coating may resist ink absorption. Silk is a popular choice for all printed items from Business cards to brochures, flyers and folded leaflets. Silk is not as thick as uncoated paper in the same weight.
Gloss: Gloss coated paper has a shiny, reflective surface that is achieved through the application of a high-gloss coating. This type of paper is commonly used for high-impact, high-quality printing where image sharpness and color intensity are important. Like silk-coated paper, writing with pens or pencils on gloss-coated paper can be challenging due to the smooth surface. Gloss is currently not as popular as silk and uncaoted but great to show off detail in images and is put to good use for brigt bold colours within your artwork. Can be used for most print applications such as Business cards to brochures, flyers and folded leaflets. Gloss is not as thick as uncoated paper in the same weight.
Uncoated: Uncoated paper has no surface coating, giving it a natural, more textured feel. It is widely used for everyday printing tasks, great for Business stationery like business cards, and books, where a more organic or traditional look is preferred. Uncoated paper is excellent for writing with any pen or pencil, as it absorbs ink well. Uncoated is possibly our favourite finish, when used with our high quality HP indigo press the result is fantastic and very silimar to offset printing look and feel.
Roller Banner PDF templates
Please download the Roller Banner templates as a PDF file.
Heras Fence Banner PDF template
Please download the Heras Fence template as a PDF file