Print shops have strict requirements about which file formats they accept. Submitting the wrong format — or a format that is not correctly prepared — leads to rejection or poor print quality. This guide covers the most common formats and what to do with each.
Print-Ready Formats
- PDF/X (PDF/X-1a, PDF/X-3, PDF/X-4) — the gold standard for professional print. Enforces font embedding, colour profiles, bleed and TrimBox. Always accepted.
- PDF (CMYK, fonts embedded) — widely accepted when correctly prepared with CMYK colour mode and embedded fonts.
- EPS — legacy vector format, still accepted by many print shops for logos and illustrations.
Formats That Need Conversion
- PDF (RGB) — must be converted to CMYK before print. Use PrintConvert247.
- Word / PowerPoint (.docx, .pptx) — export to PDF first, then convert to CMYK.
- JPEG / PNG — raster images at 72 DPI are not suitable for print. Need to be placed at 300 DPI in a layout, then exported as PDF.
- SVG — needs conversion to PDF with embedded fonts.
- Canva export (PDF Standard) — use PDF Print instead, then convert to CMYK for offset printing.
The Safest Option: PDF/X
When in doubt, convert to PDF/X-4. It is the most widely accepted professional print format and automatically enforces all technical requirements. PrintConvert247 handles this conversion in a single step.
Convert your file to a print-ready PDF
Upload any file and PrintConvert247 converts it to a CMYK, PDF/X-compliant print-ready PDF.
Convert now →Always Verify the Result
After any conversion, run the file through PrintReady247 to verify it meets all print requirements before submitting.