In this guide, we'll guide you through setting up artwork and exporting it as the correct file type using the following popular tools:
Canva
CorelDRAW
GIMP
Crello
How to Create Artwork for Print with Canva
Setting up your document
Canva is a really popular online design tool thanks to its many free and premium features, templates and customisation options. Before you dive straight into the design, here's how to set up a blank Canva canvas!
Log in to Canva and click ‘Create a Design'
Choose custom dimensions and change from ‘px' to ‘mm'
Enter the correct size for the print item you want to design, plus 6mm to include bleed*
Customise with the free templates, text and images, or upload your own high-resolution images to the design tool
Click ‘Add page' to add extra pages if you're making a multi-page product
*If you don't want to add bleed at this stage, that's not a problem! We can add this for you.
How to export Canva to PDF
To send your Canva design to us to print, you'll need to export it as a PDF file to upload to our website. Here's how.
Click Download
Under file type, choose PDF Print
Untick crop marks and bleed – we have our own cropping system set up that won't read them!
Click Download
How to Create Artwork for Print with CorelDRAW
Setting up your CorelDRAW document
Vector graphics editing software CorelDRAW is an effective and more affordable alternative to the Adobe Creative Suite, making it a popular choice for our customers. Here's how to set your artwork up for a print perfect finish.
Go to File > New
Name your new file
Set the preset as Custom
Set the color mode as CMYK
Set the resolution to 300dpi
Set the page size to the print item you want + 6mm to the height and width for your bleed area
Click Okay to start designing
How to Export a file as a PDF on CorelDRAW
Click File > Export
In the export range area, enable ‘current document'
Under page size, select ‘As defined in CorelDRAW'
Under the PDF preset list, choose: PDF/X-1a
Export the document
How to Create Artwork for Print with GIMP
How to set up your new file in GIMP
GIMP is a photo manipulating tool, making it great for setting up photos to print. Here's how to set up a new file:
Go to File > New
Change the dimensions from pixels to mm
Add the height and width for the product you want and add 6mm for your bleed area
Open up the advanced options
Change to X and Y resolutions to 300
Change the colour space to CMYK
Click OK to get started
Exporting a PDF from GIMP
Go to File > Export
Under File Format, select ‘Portable Document Format (*PDF)'
Name your file and click Export
Tick ‘Apply Layer Masks Before Saving'
Click Export again
How to Create Artwork for Print with Crello
Create a new file in Crello
Crello is a free online graphic design tool where you can design from scratch or use one of the thousands of free templates. To set up a new file:
Go to the Crello homepage and either choose a template or create a custom size
If choosing a custom size, enter the dimensions of the print item you want to create + 6mm on the height and width for the bleed area
Use the design tool to add image, colours and text to your design
Saving your design as a print-ready PDF
When you're finished designing, click Download
Under the format picker, choose PDF Print
Untick bleed and crop marks
Click Download
And there you have it! If you'd like some more help setting up your artwork for print or to see what other design options are available, get in touch with our Personal Artworker team for specific artwork questions.