Supplying Artwork – A Guide to Perfect Results

At TLC Online, we want to ensure your artwork is reproduced to the highest possible standard.

To achieve this, it’s important to follow a few key guidelines when preparing and supplying your files.

By adhering to these recommendations, you’ll help us deliver exceptional results that match your vision.

Four large water drop shapes arranged side by side, coloured Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black, representing the CMYK colour model on a white background.
Abstract splashes of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black paint flow across a white background. CMYK colour drops and text appear on the right, with colour circles and printer crop marks also visible.

Use CMYK for Accurate Colours

When creating your artwork, always use the CMYK colour mode. This is the industry standard for printing and ensures your colours are accurately represented.

Files created in RGB or with unspecified spot/Pantone colours will be automatically converted to CMYK, which may result in slight colour variations compared to what you see on your screen.

High-Resolution Images for Crisp Results

For sharp, professional-quality prints, all images in your artwork should have a resolution of at least 300dpi (dots per inch). Low-resolution images can appear blurry or pixelated when printed, so it’s essential to check this before submitting your files.

A monarch butterfly with orange, black, and white wings rests on an orange flower. An inset circle shows a close-up of the butterfly’s wing texture, highlighting fine scales and colour detail.
Illustration of a computer interface showing text editing tools, a pencil, a document labelled PDF, and font style options, representing PDF text editing or font customisation.

File Format – PDF/X-1a for Best Results

We recommend supplying your files in the PDF/X-4 2008 format. This format is specifically designed for high-quality printing and ensures your artwork is processed correctly.

If you’re unsure how to save your file in this format, we are happy to assist.

Add Bleeds and Safe Margins

To ensure your design looks perfect after trimming, please include a 3mm bleed on all sides of your artwork.

This extra space allows for slight variations during the cutting process. Additionally:

  • Keep all text and important elements at least 5mm away from the edge of the finished document.
  • Add crop marks to indicate where the artwork should be trimmed.
  • Please note: Artwork for banners and other large printing material should have a 5mm bleed.
A CMYK colour printing test sheet with colour bars, registration marks, alignment targets, and overlapping CMY circles, used to check print quality and colour accuracy.
A magnifying glass sits on a colourful print test sheet filled with various colour swatches, gradients, and grids, commonly used in graphic design and printing quality control.

Responsibility for Artwork Accuracy

While we strive to deliver flawless results, TLC Online cannot accept responsibility for inaccuracies in the artwork you provide.

We will reproduce your files exactly as supplied, so it’s important to double-check all details before submission.

If we notice any obvious errors, we’ll do our best to inform you, but we recommend thoroughly proofreading your artwork beforehand.

Why These Guidelines Matter

By following these simple steps, you’ll help us ensure your printed materials look professional, polished, and exactly as you envisioned. Whether it’s a business card, brochure, or large-format poster, these guidelines are designed to make the process smooth and stress-free.