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How to Create Print-Ready Files Using Canva

Some customers choose to use the online design site, Canva, for creating print-ready files. When doing so, it’s essential to make sure your files are set up correctly for the best print outcome.

Before you begin designing, we recommend that you turn on the print bleed setting. This function will allow you to view items going off the page.

How to Set up Your Print Document

·         Click on “File” in the top left corner of your screen.

·         Then check “Show print bleed.” Bleed lines are essential for all photos and colors that extend to the edge of the page.

·         Due to the risk of a shift when cutting, make sure you extend the images outside of the bleed line to guarantee your document does not have a white stripe along the side of our page.

When you are happy with your design, it’s time to download the print files. 

How to Download Your Print Document:

·         Start by clicking the download button in the top right.

·         Under “File Type,” make sure “PDF Print” is selected. (Not PDF Standard).

·         Make sure “Crop marks and bleed” are checked. While we do not require crop marks on our files, it is important that your file contains bleed. This setting will give you more bleed than needed, but it’s better to have more than not enough.

·         Download your files in a single-page PDF format.

·        Click “Download” to receive your files. 

           

Now that you have your files, you are ready to place your print order with San Bernardino County Print.

CONVERT YOUR FILE TO CMYK

Canva by default creates files in RGB as it was initially designed to create digital only images for your RGB screen, yet all of our printing is done in CMYK.  We can convert your PDF files to CMYK, but there is typically some

color shift in this process as you are now using 4 base colors (Cyan, Yellow, Magenta and Black) instead of 3 base colors (Red, Green and Blue) to create the colors in your image.  

But please note: some RGB colors do not convert precisely to CMYK, so there may be a shift in tone.

One important thing to remember is that our team of Designers will double-check your files before going to production if we are notified they were created in Canva.

Please Note:

If you are able to, please flatten any files you upload. Failure to do so can result in incorrect colors printing within your artwork files. If you cannot flatten your files,

please alert us in your “Order Notes” stating the files were downloaded from Canva and need to be flattened.

You can share your designs with us by emailing them to us at: countyprint@cao.sbcounty.gov

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