Print-Ready & Digital PDF Versions

Every project delivers two files — one for the press, one for the screen.

What It Is

One Catalog. Two Formats. Every Channel Covered.

Every PDF catalog we design comes with two finished files as standard: a print-ready version built to commercial printing specifications, and a digital version optimized for screen, email, and web. This isn't an optional extra — it's how we deliver every single project.

The reason is simple: the same PDF file that looks great on screen often prints poorly, and a file built for print is often too large and color-shifted for digital use. A proper production workflow requires two separate exports with different color profiles, resolutions, and compression settings. We handle all of that as part of the process.

For clients who specifically need to understand the technical differences, manage print production, or are working with external print vendors, this page covers everything you need to know about how we prepare and deliver both formats.

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What's Included

  • Print-ready PDF: CMYK color space, 300 DPI minimum resolution
  • Bleed (3mm or 0.125"), trim marks, and crop marks on print file
  • Embedded fonts and linked images (no missing links)
  • Digital PDF: RGB color space, optimized compression
  • Screen-optimized resolution (150 DPI) for fast loading
  • Compressed file size suitable for email attachments
  • Both files exported from the same master InDesign source
  • File naming and folder structure for easy handoff to printers
Ideal For

Who Needs This Service?

Brands Using Commercial Printers

You print your catalog through an offset or digital printer and need a technically correct print-ready PDF — not just any export.

Email Marketers

You distribute your catalog via email to buyers or subscribers and need a file that loads quickly and looks sharp on screen.

Website Downloads

You host your catalog as a downloadable PDF on your website and need a file optimized for fast download without visible quality loss.

Businesses Using Both Channels

You send your catalog digitally AND print physical copies — and you need both files done correctly, not just one version used for both.

Trade Show Exhibitors

You need printed catalogs for the stand and digital versions to email to contacts you meet — both must be ready at the same time.

Clients Working With Agencies

You work with external marketing or print agencies who require production-ready files delivered to their specifications.

How We Work

Our Process for Print-Ready & Digital PDF Versions

01

Print Spec Confirmation

We confirm your print specifications upfront: page size, bleed, binding type (saddle stitch, perfect bound, ring binder), and your printer's PDF requirements.

02

Design with Production in Mind

The catalog is designed with correct bleed setup, safe zones for trim, and CMYK color values from the start — not converted at the end.

03

Dual Export

Two separate exports are made from the same InDesign master: one CMYK print PDF following PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 standards, and one RGB digital PDF with web-optimized compression.

04

Pre-Flight Check

We run a pre-flight check on the print PDF: image resolution, color mode, fonts, bleed, and overprint settings — so it passes your printer's checks first time.

05

Organised Delivery

Files are delivered in a clearly named folder structure: Print PDF, Digital PDF, and source files — labelled and ready for immediate use.

What You Receive

Your Final Deliverables

Print-Ready PDF (CMYK)

300 DPI minimum, CMYK color space, 3mm bleed on all sides, crop marks, embedded fonts. Compatible with all commercial print vendors.

Digital PDF (RGB)

Screen-optimized resolution, RGB color, compressed file size. Typically 3–8 MB for a 32-page catalog — suitable for email and web.

Pre-Flight Report

A summary confirming the print file has passed our pre-flight check: resolution, color mode, bleed, and fonts all verified.

Organised File Package

All files delivered in a labelled folder — Print, Digital, and Source — with a clear naming convention for handoff to printers or marketing teams.

Recent Work

Sample Projects

36-page dual-format catalog
Furniture

Artisan Kitchen — Print + Digital

40-page lookbook
Fashion

Bloom Boutique — Dual Format

60-page product catalog
Electronics

TechPro — Print + Digital Bundle

Investment

Pricing for Print-Ready & Digital PDF Versions

Every plan includes print-ready PDF, digital PDF, and a dedicated designer.

Basic
$299

Up to 12 pages · 3 revision rounds · 5–7 day delivery


Every Basic plan delivers both a print-ready and digital PDF as standard. No add-on required.

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Most Popular
Standard
$549

Up to 32 pages · Unlimited revisions · 4–6 day delivery


Standard plan includes both formats, plus source files on request — so you can re-export in the future as your range grows.

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Premium
$899

Up to 60 pages · Unlimited revisions · 3–5 day delivery


Premium plan includes both formats, full source files, and a formal pre-flight report confirming print-readiness for commercial production.

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Need something larger or custom? Request a custom quote →

FAQ

Common Questions

A CMYK print PDF is designed for ink-on-paper reproduction — typically 10–30 MB, with color values calibrated for printing. Using this file for email or web results in slow loading and slightly off colors on screen. A digital PDF is compressed and uses RGB color for accurate screen display — it won't print correctly on a commercial press. Two files, two purposes.

We export print files to PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 depending on your printer's requirements. PDF/X-1a is the most universally accepted standard. If your printer has a specific requirement, send it to us and we'll match it exactly.

We use 3mm bleed on all sides as standard, which is the commercial printing industry standard globally. If your printer requires a different bleed size (such as 0.125" for US printers or 5mm for certain large-format work), simply specify this in your brief and we'll set it up correctly.

Yes. On Standard and Premium plans, we can supply a fully packaged InDesign file — including all linked images and fonts — which some print vendors prefer to work with directly. Just request this during your project brief.

All placed images in the print PDF should be 300 DPI or higher at their placed size. We check every image during production and will flag any that fall below this threshold before finalizing the file.
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