Guide to Submitting "Print-Ready" Data for Business Cards
About Print-Ready Data
"Print-Ready Data" refers to files that can proceed directly to the printing process without any adjustments.
Common Reasons Data is NOT Print-Ready
- ・Fonts not converted to outlines
- ・Broken image links
- ・Insufficient bleed
- ・Missing crop marks (*Not required if bleeds or white borders are included on exact size data)
- ・Insufficient resolution
- ・Raw Canva data (due to improper PDF export)
- ・Text or QR codes are too small to be legible
- ・Lines/Text are too thin or colors are too faint
When Using Illustrator (.ai) Templates
Print-Ready Requirements
- ・Recommended to use ACCEA-provided templates
- ・No changes to the finished size
- ・Japanese-style crop marks are present
- ・At least 3mm of bleed in the trim area
- ・All fonts have been outlined
- ・Color mode: CMYK
- ・Images: 300dpi or higher at actual size
- ・Unnecessary layers have been deleted
- ・No stray objects outside the artboard
- ・No broken image links
- ・Rasterization recommended for effects
- ・Font size: 6pt / 4.5mm or larger recommended
- ・QR code size: 10mm+ sq. (12mm+ for complex codes like Instagram)
- ・Line weight: 0.25pt / 0.1mm or thicker recommended
- ・Color density: For gray (K: 10% or higher recommended)
NG Examples (Not Acceptable)
- ・Fonts not converted to outlines
- ・Saved in RGB mode
- ・Altered artboard size
- ・Deleted guides
- ・Broken image links
When Using Photoshop (.psd) Templates
Print-Ready Requirements
- ・File size is 500MB or less
- ・Recommended to use ACCEA-provided templates
- ・Resolution: 350dpi (Recommended for business cards)
- ・Artboard size includes the bleed area
- ・Color mode: CMYK
- ・Background extends to the bleed area
- ・Text is rasterized or exported as a PDF with embedded fonts
- ・Layers flattened (or confirmed no impact on printing)
NG Examples (Not Acceptable)
- ・RGB data
- ・72dpi resolution
- ・No bleed
- ・Text is too small (e.g., 0.2pt)
When Using PowerPoint (.pptx) Templates
*Not originally for print; template use + PDF export is mandatory
Print-Ready Requirements
- ・Recommended to use ACCEA-provided templates
- ・No size changes
- ・High-resolution images (original approx. 300dpi)
- ・No font substitutions
- ・Export as PDF (High Quality Print)
- ・Margins and bleeds accounted for
NG Examples (Not Acceptable)
- ・Saved as PDF for screen viewing
- ・Images scaled up too much
- ・Use of screenshot images
- ・Frequent use of RGB images
Canva (PDF Submission)
Since Canva is RGB-based, correct export settings are essential.
Print-Ready Requirements
- ・Use the provided template
- ・No size changes
- ・Check "Crop marks and bleed"
- ・Export as "PDF Print"
- ・Text is not too close to the trim line
- ・No low-resolution assets used
Canva-Specific Precautions
- ・Colors may shift during RGB to CMYK conversion
- ・Fine lines (under 0.25pt) may not be reproducible
- ・Transparency effects may appear darker after conversion
Key Points When Using Templates
Using a template does not automatically make the data "print-ready."
Important Checkpoints
- ・Size has not been changed
- ・Bleeds are used correctly
- ・Color mode is appropriate
- ・No font issues
