How to convert your files into PDFs – a step by step guide

Learn how to save your designs as PDFs with our new tutorials!

Whether you’re creating a design for the first or fiftieth time – there’s something you have to do to make sure it hits the presses perfectly. From Business Stationery and Poster Printing to Cards or even Roller Banners, you must export your artwork as a PDF.

What is a PDF?

PDF stands for Portable Document Format, and when you save your designs and artwork as a PDF, you’ll be ensuring that your artwork can be not only read efficiently by our print software, but also that you’ve saved enough detail and created a file that can be easily opened and finally, printed.

We’ve listed a few of the most common software applications for design, and provided an easy step by step guide to how you can export them.

Exporting a PDF

Photoshop

1. Click File, Save As and choose ‘Photoshop PDF’ from the dropdown menu”
2. Turn off layers to save file size and make sure ‘As a Copy’ is selected.
3. Type in your file name and save.

InDesign

1. Go to File, Export, or press Ctrl + E or Command + E on a Mac
2. In the Export window, make sure Adobe PDF print is selected from the drop-down menu.
3. Type in a file name and click save.

Illustrator

1. Click File and Save a Copy.
2. In the save window, select Adobe PDF from the dropdown menu.
3. Type in a file name and save.

For all of these, we recommend the PDF/X-4:2008 preset. It’s best for print.

If you need a hand with your artwork, or you’re stuck with converting or exporting your designs, just give us a call on 0800 840 1430, chat with us live on-site or drop an email to theteam@printed.com.

Ready to hit the presses?

GO SHOPPING