5-Minute Quick Start
This guide will walk you through creating your first print-ready PDF file from Figma. No prior printing knowledge required!Already installed? If you haven’t installed the plugin yet, see the Installation Guide first.
What You’ll Create
In this quick start, you’ll:- Create a simple design with proper print settings
- Add bleed and crop marks
- Convert colors to CMYK
- Export a professional PDF
Step 1: Create Your Design
1
Create a New Frame
Press
F and create a frame. For this example, let’s use A4 size:- Width: 210mm
- Height: 297mm
You can change units in Figma: Right-click the canvas → “Unit of measurement” → Choose mm, cm, or inches
2
Add Some Content
Add any design elements:
- Text with your name
- A colorful shape or two
- An image (if you have one)
Step 2: Open Print for Figma
1
Launch the Plugin
Press
Cmd/Ctrl + / and type “Print for Figma”, then press EnterOr: Resources → Plugins → Print for Figma2
Select Your Frame
Make sure your frame is selected before opening the plugin
Step 3: Configure Print Settings
Document Settings
1
Add Bleed
In the Document tab:
- Enable “Add Bleed”
- Set bleed to 3mm (default and most common)
What is bleed? It’s extra space around your design to prevent white edges after cutting. Learn more about bleed
2
Enable Crop Marks
- Check “Crop Marks”
- Leave other settings as default
What are crop marks? Lines that show the printer where to cut. Learn more
Color Settings
1
Enable CMYK Conversion
Switch to the Color tab:
- Enable “Convert to CMYK”
- Select “ISO Coated v2 300%” (good default for most printing)
Why CMYK? Printers use CMYK ink, not RGB light. Learn more
Export Settings
1
Set DPI
Go to the Export tab:
- Set DPI to 300 (print standard)
- Leave compression at 85% (good balance)
Step 4: Check Image Quality (Optional)
1
Verify DPI
If you added images, go to the DPI Check tab:
- See all images in your design
- Check if any show ⚠️ warning (below 300 DPI)
- Replace low-resolution images if needed
Images below 300 DPI may look pixelated when printed!
Step 5: Export Your PDF
1
Export
Click the big “Export PDF” button at the bottom
2
Save Your File
Choose where to save your PDF file
3
Success!
Your first print-ready PDF is ready! 🎉
What Just Happened?
Let’s review what the plugin did:Added Bleed (3mm extra space)
Added Bleed (3mm extra space)
Your design was extended 3mm beyond the trim line to prevent white edges if the cutting is slightly off.
Added Crop Marks
Added Crop Marks
Small lines were added outside your design to guide the printer’s cutting machine.
Converted Colors to CMYK
Converted Colors to CMYK
RGB colors (screen colors) were converted to CMYK (printer inks) using a professional color profile.
Set Resolution to 300 DPI
Set Resolution to 300 DPI
Your PDF was created at print quality (300 dots per inch) for sharp output.
Created a PDF/X File
Created a PDF/X File
A professional PDF format that printers prefer and trust.
Verify Your PDF
To check your PDF:- Open it in Adobe Reader or Preview
- Zoom in to 100% or more - Text should be sharp
- Look at the edges - You should see the content extends beyond the page edges (that’s the bleed)
- Check for crop marks - Small lines outside the corners
If everything looks good, your PDF is ready to send to a print shop!
Common Settings Quick Reference
Here are the most commonly used settings:| Setting | Recommended Value | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bleed | 3mm | Standard for most printing |
| Crop Marks | Enabled | Guides cutting |
| ICC Profile | ISO Coated v2 300% | Standard for coated paper |
| DPI | 300 | Print quality standard |
| Compression | 85% | Good quality/size balance |
What to Do with Your PDF
Your PDF is now ready for:Upload to Print Shop
Send it to online print services like Moo, Vistaprint, or local printers
Email to Printer
Most print shops accept PDFs via email
Review with Client
Share for approval before printing
Archive
Keep for future reprints
Next Steps
Congratulations on creating your first print file! Now you can:Create a Real Project
Design a professional business card with detailed instructions
Learn Print Basics
Understand the concepts behind bleed, CMYK, and DPI
Explore Templates
Use pre-made templates for common print projects
Watch Video Tutorial
See the entire process in action
Quick Tips for Better Results
Use High-Res Images: Always use images that are at least 300 DPI at their final size
Keep Important Content Safe: Keep text and logos at least 3mm from the edge
Test Print First: For important projects, order a proof print before mass production
Save Your Preset: If you’ll make similar files, save your settings as a preset for next time
Troubleshooting
Colors look different in PDF
Colors look different in PDF
This is normal! CMYK has a smaller color range than RGB. Check our Color Management Guide to minimize differences.
PDF file is too large
PDF file is too large
Try:
- Reducing DPI to 300 (not higher)
- Enabling image compression
- Optimizing images in Figma first
Text looks blurry
Text looks blurry
Make sure:
- DPI is set to 300
- Text size is at least 6pt
- You’re using a clear font
No crop marks visible
No crop marks visible
Crop marks appear outside your design area. Make sure you’re viewing the full page in your PDF reader (not just the trim area).
Need More Help?
FAQ
Common questions answered
Discord Community
Ask questions, get answers
Email Support
Direct support from our team
Pro Tip: Bookmark this page for quick reference when setting up new print files!