How do you make a brochure print-ready?
A brochure is print-ready when it is a PDF in A4 (plus 3 mm bleed), in CMYK, with images at around 300 DPI, and has 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 or 28 pages. Slim Folderen prints that PDF on demand and sends it by post.
Resolution: 300 DPI
On screen, 72 or 144 DPI is enough. On paper, lower resolutions look soft or pixelated. Keep photos and logos at around 300 DPI at the size they are placed. Vector logos (PDF, AI or SVG in the design) scale without any loss of quality.
Colour: CMYK, not RGB
Printers work with cyan, magenta, yellow and black. Bright RGB blues or greens can come out duller. Convert in InDesign, Affinity Publisher or with a print export. Canva users: choose a PDF print export and check the colours.
What Slim Folderen expects
- A4 only (210 × 297 mm)
- Pages: 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 or 28
- 3 mm bleed
- No JavaScript or embedded files in the PDF
- 1
Choose A4
Document size 210 × 297 mm, plus 3 mm bleed on each side.
- 2
Set the colours to CMYK
Convert RGB to CMYK so that colours on paper do not shift from what you see on screen.
- 3
Check the resolution
Photos ideally at 300 DPI at their actual size.
- 4
Export the PDF
Export as a print PDF without a password or scripts.
- 5
Upload
Upload it to Slim Folderen and send from a single copy.
Ready to print and send?
Work out the price, check your PDF or create a business account. Companies with a Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) number get one free trial shipment (up to 8 pages).