03/24/2026
We've been seeing all kinds of creative AI projects make their way through the shop lately. AI is a great tool for creating intricate designs without needing to have serious graphic design skills. Unfortunately, its default position is to create images, not print ready files, so we came up with a few quick prompts to add to your request to help get the file prepped and ready for the press.
✅ Make it ___” x ___” (Insert your specific dimensions)
Tell AI the specific size you want to make the file. AI loves to invent sizes so giving it specific dimensions in inches or mm will help guide it to getting you the right size finished product.
✅ Include room for a bleed
When we print your file, we print it slightly larger than the final size and then cut off the excess. This excess is called a “bleed” and is how we eliminate white borders. Asking AI for a bleed will give the image extra margin around the edge to be sure your full design shows up properly.
✅ Make it a PDF file
Most AI softwares default to JPEGs but we require your file to be a PDF. Be sure to tell it to create a PDF file.
✅ Make it CMYK
CMYK is the colour format for print, so if you’re getting it printed, get it to design with CMYK to get the colouring just right.
Unlike graphic design software, we have no ability to adjust AI designed files, so getting it right before you send it to us will help avoid reprints and make sure it is exactly what you’re looking for.
