What constitutes a print-ready or press-ready file?

A print-ready file refers to a PDF that satisfies all requirements for successful printing with OnPress. This ensures smooth passage through our prepress file review process and readiness for production.

Key characteristics include:

• The PDF's page size matches the final trim size plus bleed.
• Interior files feature a 0.125” bleed on all sides; consult our guide for more on bleed.
• Interior files are single pages, not spreads.
• Artwork maintains appropriate margins as outlined in the page template for your trim size, available for download from the Project Center or our website.
• Cover and Dust Jacket files adhere to the size and guidelines of the custom cover template, downloadable from your Project Center.
• Spine width aligns with the template downloaded from your account.
• The file is in CMYK color mode, not RGB. If needed, we can handle the conversion for you, although appearances may vary.
• Blacks in the file should be true black, not registration black.
• Fonts are either embedded or converted to outlines; guidance on embedding fonts is available here.
• All images have a resolution of 300 dpi or higher, including cover artwork.
• Images are embedded within the file.
• The PDF is free of annotations, comments, sticky notes, or other elements added in Acrobat.