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Understanding industry standards ensures your files work with any professional printer worldwide. This reference covers PDF formats, color standards, and best practices.
Industry standard: PDF/X-1a with ISO Coated v2 300% profile is accepted by 95%+ of commercial printers worldwide.

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PDF/X Standards

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PDF/X Format Comparison

StandardReleaseColorTransparencyICC ProfilesUse Case
PDF/X-1a2001CMYK onlyNot allowedSingle embeddedMost compatible, safest
PDF/X-32002CMYK, RGB, LabNot allowedMultiple allowedInternational color workflows
PDF/X-42008CMYK, RGB, LabAllowedMultiple allowedModern, advanced features
PDF/X-52010AllAllowedExternal referencesMulti-file workflows

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ISO Print Standards

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ISO 12647 (Printing Standards)

The global standard for offset printing
Standard for sheet-fed and web offset printingSpecifications:
  • Scope: Offset lithography
  • Defines: Ink colors, densities, dot gain, paper types
  • Revision: Currently ISO 12647-2:2013
Paper Types Defined:
  • Type 1: Premium coated (115 g/m²+)
  • Type 2: Standard coated (115 g/m²+)
  • Type 3: LWC (lightweight coated)
  • Type 4: Uncoated white (115 g/m²+)
  • Type 5: Uncoated yellowish (newsprint)
Ink Standards:
  • Cyan: Specific Pantone equivalent
  • Magenta: Specific Pantone equivalent
  • Yellow: Specific Pantone equivalent
  • Black: Specified density
Why important: Ensures consistency across different printers worldwideRelated profiles:
  • FOGRA39 (ISO Coated v2) - Type 1/2 paper
  • FOGRA52 (PSO Uncoated v3) - Type 4 paper
Defines PDF/X format specificationsParts:
  • ISO 15930-1: PDF/X-1a:2001
  • ISO 15930-3: PDF/X-1a:2001 + PDF/X-3:2002
  • ISO 15930-4: PDF/X-1a:2003 (revised)
  • ISO 15930-6: PDF/X-3:2003 (revised)
  • ISO 15930-7: PDF/X-4 (2008)
  • ISO 15930-8: PDF/X-5 (2010)
Purpose: Standardize PDF exchange for printingCompliance: Ensures PDFs contain all necessary print information
Standard for graphic arts viewingSpecifications:
  • Color temperature: D50 (5000K)
  • Illuminance: 2000 lux for critical viewing
  • Surround: Neutral gray (L* 60)
Purpose: Standardize color evaluation conditionsWhy it matters:
  • Consistent color judgment
  • Match print proofs to press sheets
  • International standard viewing
Application: Professional color matching, print proofingNote: Your office lighting affects color perception
International paper size standard (A series)Defines:
  • A series (A0 to A10)
  • B series (B0 to B10)
  • C series (envelopes)
Key principle: Each size is exactly half area of previousExample:
  • A4: 210 × 297 mm
  • A5: 148 × 210 mm (A4 folded in half)
Adoption: Worldwide except USA/Canada (use Letter series)See: Paper Sizes Reference

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Color Management Standards

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ICC Specifications

  • ICC Profile Version 4
  • FOGRA Standards
  • GRACoL Standards (USA)
  • Japan Color
Current ICC standardVersion: ICC.1:2010 (v4.3)Features:
  • Improved color accuracy
  • Better spectral data
  • Enhanced perceptual rendering
  • Wide gamut support
Profile types:
  • Input (scanner, camera)
  • Display (monitor)
  • Output (printer)
  • Device Link
  • Abstract
  • Color Space
For printing: Output profiles (e.g., FOGRA39, GRACoL)Backward compatible: With ICC v2 profiles

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File Specifications Standards

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Resolution Standards

  • Image Resolution
  • Line Screen (LPI)
  • Bleed Standards
  • Color Accuracy Tolerances
DPI/PPI standards for print
Use CaseMinimum DPIRecommended DPIMaximum Useful
Offset printing200300600
Digital printing200300600
Large format100150-200300
Billboards25-5050-100150
Newspapers150200300
Fine art300400-6001200
Screen printing150200-300400
Rule of thumb: 300 DPI for standard commercial printingToo low: Pixelation, poor quality Too high: Larger files, no visible improvement, longer processing

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Typography Standards

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Font Embedding Requirements

PDF/X requirements for fontsPDF/X-1a:
  • ✓ All fonts must be embedded
  • ✓ Subset embedding allowed
  • ✓ Type 1, TrueType, OpenType supported
  • ✗ Font references not allowed
Subsetting:
  • Embeds only used characters
  • Reduces file size (80-95% smaller)
  • Maintains perfect quality
  • Recommended practice
Outlining fonts (alternative):
  • Convert text to vector paths
  • No font embedding needed
  • Larger file size
  • No longer editable as text
  • Last resort for licensing issues
Readable minimum sizesStandard reading distance (12-18”):
Text TypeMinimum SizeRecommended
Body text8 pt9-12 pt
Fine print6 pt7-8 pt
Captions7 pt8-9 pt
Headlines14 pt18-24 pt
Business card7 pt8-10 pt
Legal minimums:
  • Most countries: 6 pt minimum for contracts
  • Some jurisdictions: 8 pt minimum
Large format (viewed from distance):
  • Multiply by viewing distance in feet
  • 10 ft viewing: 10× larger minimum
Rule: If you squint to read, too small
Industry standard practiceStandard: Black text always overprintsSpecifications:
  • Pure black (K100) only
  • Text size: All sizes
  • Rich black: Should NOT overprint (knockout)
Why:
  • Prevents white gaps from registration
  • Standard practice since offset printing
  • Built into PDF/X standards
In Print for Figma:
  • Enable “Overprint black” setting
  • Automatic for K100 text
  • Verify in Acrobat Overprint Preview

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Industry Quality Standards

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G7 Certification

Gray balance calibration methodology
  • What is G7?
  • G7 vs Traditional
  • Finding G7 Printers
G7 = Gray Balance calibration methodNot a profile: Calibration methodologyPrinciple:
  • Neutral gray reproduction as primary goal
  • CMYK balance creates neutral grays
  • Consistent across different devices
Developed by: IDEAlliance (USA)Used for:
  • Press calibration
  • Proof matching
  • Color consistency
Benefits:
  • Device-to-device matching
  • Consistent color appearance
  • Reduced variation
Certification:
  • G7 Master Printer
  • G7 Expert
  • Regular recertification required

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FOGRA Certification

European color standard certification
Printer certification levels:FOGRA Cert: Basic certification
  • Meets FOGRA color standards
  • Regular testing
  • Consistent output
PSO (Process Standard Offset): Advanced
  • Complete process control
  • ISO 12647-2 compliance
  • Ongoing monitoring
Benefits:
  • Predictable results
  • Consistent quality
  • International standards compliance
Find certified printers: FOGRA website directory
FOGRA characterization datasets:What they are:
  • Reference measurements
  • Specific printing conditions
  • Basis for ICC profiles
Example datasets:
  • FOGRA39: Coated paper, offset
  • FOGRA51: Coated paper, updated standard
  • FOGRA52: Uncoated paper
Use: Printers calibrate to match these referencesResult: Consistency worldwide using same standard

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File Delivery Standards

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Prepress Requirements

1

PDF Format

Standard: PDF/X-1a (safest)Alternative: PDF/X-3 or PDF/X-4 (if printer supports)Requirements:
  • High-quality print preset
  • All fonts embedded
  • Images at 300 DPI minimum
  • Bleed included
  • Crop marks visible
2

Color Space

Standard: CMYK with ICC profile embeddedProfile: Match printer’s specification
  • ISO Coated v2 300% (if unknown)
  • GRACoL 2006 (USA)
  • Or printer-specified profile
No RGB: Unless PDF/X-3 specifically requested
3

File Naming

Best practices:
ProjectName_Size_Date_Version.pdf

Examples:
BusinessCard_3.5x2_2024-01-15_v1.pdf
Brochure_TriFold_2024-01-15_FINAL.pdf
Avoid:
  • Spaces (use underscores or hyphens)
  • Special characters
  • Generic names (“final.pdf”, “new.pdf”)
Include:
  • Project identifier
  • Size/type
  • Date
  • Version number
4

Metadata

PDF should include:
  • Trim box dimensions
  • Bleed box dimensions
  • Page orientation
  • Output intent (ICC profile)
  • Creator (your contact info)
Print for Figma: Includes automaticallyVerify: Open in Acrobat → Properties
5

Delivery Method

File transfer options:Small files (< 25 MB):
  • Email attachment
Medium files (25-100 MB):
  • WeTransfer
  • Google Drive link
  • Dropbox link
Large files (> 100 MB):
  • Printer’s FTP server
  • Cloud storage link
  • Physical delivery (USB)
Never: Send via chat/text (compression)

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Quality Control Standards

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Preflight Checks

Industry-standard preflight checks:
  • PDF format: PDF/X-1a (or specified)
  • Color space: CMYK (no RGB unless specified)
  • ICC profile: Embedded and correct
  • Fonts: All embedded (check Properties)
  • Images: 300 DPI minimum
  • Bleed: 0.125” (3 mm) on all edges
  • Crop marks: Visible and correct
  • Trim box: Correctly defined
  • Text: Pure black (K100) for readability
  • Overprint: Black text overprints
  • TAC: Within profile limits
  • File size: Within printer’s limits
  • Page count: Correct
  • Orientation: Correct
Tools:
  • Adobe Acrobat: Preflight tool
  • Print for Figma: Built-in checks
  • Printer’s preflight (online services)

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International Standards Organizations

ISO

International Organization for StandardizationStandards:
  • ISO 12647 (printing)
  • ISO 15930 (PDF/X)
  • ISO 216 (paper sizes)
Scope: Worldwide

ICC

International Color ConsortiumStandards:
  • ICC color profiles
  • Color management specifications
Website: color.org

FOGRA

Graphic Technology Research AssociationRegion: EuropeStandards:
  • FOGRA characterization data
  • PSO certification
  • Color testing
Website: fogra.org

IDEAlliance

International Digital Enterprise AllianceRegion: North AmericaStandards:
  • GRACoL
  • SWOP
  • G7 methodology
Website: idealliance.org

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Compliance Checklist

Before sending to printer:
  • PDF/X-1a format (or specified format)
  • PDF validates with Acrobat Preflight
  • No errors in preflight report
  • All warnings reviewed and acceptable
  • CMYK color space (unless RGB specified)
  • ICC profile embedded
  • Profile matches printer’s spec
  • No spot colors (unless intentional)
  • TAC within limits
  • Black handling appropriate
  • All images 300 DPI minimum
  • All fonts embedded
  • No missing fonts reported
  • Text readable (minimum 6-7 pt)
  • All content within trim + bleed
  • Safety zones respected
  • Bleed: 0.125” (3 mm) all sides
  • Crop marks present
  • Trim box correct dimensions
  • File size within printer’s limit
  • File naming clear and descriptive
  • Correct version (not old file)

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Learn More

ICC Profiles Reference

Complete ICC profile specifications

Paper Sizes Reference

Standard paper dimensions worldwide

Preflight Checklist

Complete quality control guide

Export Settings

Configure compliant export settings
Following standards = fewer problems: Industry standards exist because they work. Following them ensures your files work with any professional printer worldwide.