What Does “Print-Ready” Mean? How to Tell If Your Trading Card File Is Actually Ready
One of the most common things I hear after someone finishes designing their cards is,
“I think my file is print ready… but I’m not totally sure.”
That hesitation is normal. Most files are not wrong. They are just not fully ready yet. This guide is about how to tell the difference before anything goes to print.
What “Print Ready” Really Means in Practice
When a printer says a file is print ready, it does not mean the design looks good. It means the file can go straight into production without anyone needing to guess, adjust, or fix anything.
Print ready files remove uncertainty. They are built intentionally and they behave the way you expect once ink hits paper.
The First Things I Check When Reviewing a File
When someone sends me artwork to review, I am not redesigning it. I am checking for a small set of common issues that tend to affect print quality, cost, or timing.
Is the file sized correctly for the intended card format?
Is bleed actually present and not just assumed?
Is important text or artwork too close to the edge?
Is the resolution usable at print size?
Do the colors look realistic for print and not just on screen?
Most issues show up in one of these areas. Catching them early is usually the difference between a smooth print run and last minute fixes.
“Looks Fine on Screen” Is Where Problems Start
Screens are forgiving. Printing is not.
Some of the most common problems I see come from designs that look perfect digitally but do not account for trimming, scaling, or how color behaves in print.
Text sitting too close to the edge
Borders that will not survive trimming
Artwork scaled up beyond its original resolution
Colors that will dull or shift once printed
None of this means the project is bad. It just means the file needs a reality check before moving forward.
Color Mode and Resolution Are Common Trouble Spots
A large number of files I review arrive in RGB color mode, even when everything else looks correct.
That is especially common with tools like Canva, which are RGB first. You design in RGB and can export to CMYK later. That conversion can change how colors look, because RGB colors are brighter than what ink can reproduce.
This is where people often get surprised. Colors that looked perfect on screen may print darker, flatter, or slightly different once converted.
Color conversion is one of those things that looks simple but benefits from experience.
Resolution is another common issue. Files should be built at 300 DPI at final size. Images pulled from the web or social platforms often do not meet that requirement, even if they look sharp digitally.
None of this is unusual. It is just part of moving from screen to print. This is also why reviewing files before printing saves time and frustration.
What “Almost Print Ready” Usually Means
Most files I see fall into this category.
The design is solid. The intent is clear. The fixes are usually small, but they matter.
This is where experience saves time. Small adjustments made before printing prevent wasted materials, delays, or disappointment once the cards are in hand.
Print-Ready Files vs Design Help
Some projects come in fully print-ready. Others need light adjustments. Some need full design support.
All of those are fine.
If your files are ready, printing is straightforward. If they’re not, I handle the prep and design work as part of the process. The important thing is knowing where your project currently stands.
The Short Version
Print ready means no guessing before production
A good looking design is not always printable as is
Most files are close, not broken
Small fixes are normal and expected
Reviewing files early prevents problems later
Card size is just the first step.
In the next Printing Guide, I break down what “print-ready” actually means, what printers look for, and how to tell if your file is ready to print — or needs a little help before it gets there.
Not sure if your file is set up correctly?
If you already have artwork, I’m happy to take a look and let you know quickly whether it’s print-ready or needs a few adjustments before printing. You can start a project below and I’ll review your files.