How to make a print-ready file in Canva from scratch.
Step 1 - Start with the right Canva Design
- You will not be able to make a print ready file easily unless you do this first. Canva opens up special settings if you select their "print products" on the home screen.
- To make sure this is a print-ready file, go to "File" - "View settings" and click on the "Show print bleed" option.
- When you select it, the blank white page on the right will now have a dotted line. The dotted line represents where we (the printer) will give you when we're completely done. When we print, we need that extra space outside the dotted line. If we don't have that extra art, then you will likely see thin white lines when your final print is made. This happens because every sheet we print moves around a little bit even when we're trying hard to print perfectly.
- Once you select a project, you can select a template on the left side. We chose one as an example.
- Make the edits and add images as you please. If you have an element that goes to all the way to the dotted line, make sure you bring it all the way to the edge of the box to create the correct bleed. The template I used below had elements that didn't bleed so I adjusted them.
Step 2 - Download your Print-Ready PDF
We have a GIF to show the process and the settings we recommend below. If you're printing with Nonstop Printing, we recommend saving a RGB file since we have special color software to process the files while retaining better color predictability. RGB files with Nonstop Printing will give you access to a wider color gamut for better looking print files.
Ideal settings to save your print-ready file
GIF to show how to download your print ready file
What your print-ready file should look like
Notice the black marks on all four corners. Thats where we will trim your document. Also notice how the artwork that's at the edge extends beyond those black marks. Thats the extra art we need to make sure you don't get thin white lines at the edges of your print.
Here's what your PDF should NOT look like
Notice how the artwork in this example does not extend beyond the black marks on the corners. This will cause white lines to appear on the final product which makes your print look unprofessional.
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