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Overview

This tutorial walks you through the complete process of creating print-ready designs in Figma, from initial setup through final export.
Time Required: 60-90 minutes Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate Project: Business Card (easily adaptable to other projects)

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Phase 1: Planning & Setup

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Step 1: Gather Requirements

Before starting design, collect all specifications:
1

Define Final Size

Business card example: 3.5” × 2” (US standard)Document: Write it downVerify: Confirm with printer if applicable
2

Determine Bleed

Standard: 0.125” (3mm)Total design size: Final + (bleed × 2)Example: 3.5” + 0.25” = 3.75” widthCalculate: 3.75” × 2.25” total frame size
3

Check Color Requirements

Questions to answer:
  • CMYK or RGB?
  • Spot colors needed?
  • ICC profile specification?
Default: CMYK, ISO Coated v2 300%Brand colors: Get Pantone numbers if available
4

Confirm Resolution

Standard: 300 DPILarge format far viewing: 150-200 DPI may be acceptableDefault to: 300 DPI unless told otherwise
5

Collect Content

Gather:
  • All text (proofread before starting!)
  • Logos (vector/high-res)
  • Images (300 DPI at final size)
  • Brand guidelines
Save: In organized folder

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Step 2: Set Up Figma Document

1

Create New File

File → New design fileName: “[Project Name] - Print Ready”Example: “Business Card - John Doe - Print Ready”
2

Set Up Frame

Press F for Frame toolSize: Include bleedExample:
  • Width: 3.75” (3.5” + 0.25” bleed)
  • Height: 2.25” (2” + 0.25” bleed)
Name: “Card - Front” or “Design”Position: Top-left of canvas for organization
3

Add Guides

Enable rulers: Shift + RDrag guides for:Bleed line (trim edge):
  • 0.125” from left
  • 0.125” from top
  • 3.625” from left (right edge)
  • 2.125” from top (bottom edge)
Safety zone:
  • 0.375” from left (0.25” safety + 0.125” bleed)
  • 0.375” from top
  • 3.375” from left (right safety)
  • 1.875” from top (bottom safety)
Result: Visual boundaries for content placement
4

Mark Zones (Optional)

Create reference rectangles (delete before export):Bleed zone: 3.75” × 2.25” (full frame)
  • Fill: None
  • Stroke: Red, 1pt
  • Label: “BLEED - Full design size”
Trim zone: 3.5” × 2” (final size)
  • Fill: None
  • Stroke: Blue, 1pt
  • Label: “TRIM - Final card size”
  • Position: 0.125” from frame edges
Safety zone: 3.25” × 1.75” (safe area)
  • Fill: None
  • Stroke: Green, 1pt
  • Label: “SAFE - Keep text/logos here”
  • Position: 0.375” from frame edges
Use: Visual reference during designDelete: Before final export

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Phase 2: Design

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Step 3: Design Principles for Print

First: Establish backgroundOptions:
  • Solid color
  • Gradient
  • Pattern
  • Image
Critical: Extend to frame edges (bleed area)Why first: Foundation for everything elseExample:
Rectangle (3.75" × 2.25")
Fill: Brand color
Position: 0,0 (covers full bleed)
Order of importance:
  1. Logo / Brand mark
  2. Name / Main headline
  3. Title / Subtitle
  4. Contact information
  5. Additional details
Design accordingly:
  • Largest = Most important
  • Prominent position = Most important
  • High contrast = Most important
Test: Squint test - what do you see first?
Minimum sizes:
  • Name/headline: 18-24pt
  • Job title: 10-14pt
  • Contact info: 8-10pt
  • Absolute minimum: 6pt (avoid if possible)
Font choices:
  • Professional: Helvetica, Garamond, Futura
  • Modern: Montserrat, Raleway, Lato
  • Avoid: Overly decorative, very thin weights
Kerning: Check letter spacingLeading: Adequate line height (1.2-1.5× font size)Alignment: Consistent throughout
Design in RGB, but think CMYK:Avoid problem colors:
  • Neon/fluorescent (can’t print in CMYK)
  • Very bright blues (will be duller)
  • Pure RGB colors (check CMYK preview)
Use:
  • Brand colors (get Pantone if available)
  • High contrast combinations
  • Print-safe colors
Test: Convert early, check appearancePro tip: Design with CMYK color picker if available
Resolution: 300 DPI at final print sizeCalculate:
Printed size: 2" × 1.5"
Required pixels: 2" × 300 = 600px wide
                  1.5" × 300 = 450px tall
Minimum: 600 × 450 pixels
Vector preferred: For logos, iconsRaster images: High resolution onlyCheck: DPI Checker in Print for Figma
Critical rule: Keep important content inside safety zoneInside safe zone:
  • All text
  • Logos
  • QR codes
  • Important graphics
Can extend outside:
  • Background colors
  • Decorative elements
  • Non-critical graphics
Why: Cutting tolerance (±1/32” typical)Test: Hide safety guide, looks OK?

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Step 4: Build Your Design

1

Place Logo

Import: File → Place image, or drag-dropVector (SVG) preferred for logosPosition: Within safety zoneSize: Appropriate to hierarchyAlignment: Intentional (grid, guides)
2

Add Text

Press T for Text toolName/Headline:
  • Size: 18-24pt
  • Weight: Medium to Bold
  • Position: Prominent
Supporting text:
  • Size: 10-14pt
  • Clear, readable
Contact details:
  • Size: 8-10pt minimum
  • Organized, easy to scan
Ensure: All inside safety zone
3

Add Visual Elements

Shapes, lines, patterns:
  • Enhance design
  • Don’t overpower content
  • Extend to bleed if background
Balance: White space vs contentConsistency: Align elements intentionally
4

Apply Colors

Use brand colors where applicableHigh contrast:
  • Dark on light
  • Light on dark
  • Avoid mid-tone on mid-tone
Test readability:
  • Can you read all text?
  • Does design work in grayscale?
5

Review Bleed

Check:
  • Background extends to frame edges?
  • No white gaps?
  • Design bleeds beyond trim line?
Fix: Extend backgrounds to 3.75” × 2.25” (full bleed)

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Phase 3: Pre-Flight Checks

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Step 5: Quality Control

Critical: Read every wordCheck:
  • Names (correct spelling)
  • Titles
  • Contact information (phone, email, website)
  • All body copy
Pro tip: Read backwards (catches typos better)Get second pair of eyes: Fresh review helps
All images must be ≥ 300 DPI at print sizeCheck using:
  • Manual calculation
  • Print for Figma DPI Checker (recommended)
Formula:
Effective DPI = Image width (pixels) ÷ Printed width (inches)

Example:
Image: 900 pixels wide
Printed: 3 inches wide
Effective DPI: 900 ÷ 3 = 300 DPI ✓
If too low: Replace with higher resolution image
Check minimum sizes:
  • Important text: 10pt+
  • Fine print: 8pt minimum
Test:
  • View at 100% (actual size)
  • Can you read all text easily?
  • Sufficient contrast with background?
Print test: Print at actual size on regular paperAdjust: Increase size if needed
Verify:
  • Elements aligned consistently
  • Even spacing between elements
  • Visual balance
Use Figma’s:
  • Alignment tools
  • Distribution tools
  • Smart guides
Polish: Professional appearance
Final check: All critical content inside safety zoneSafety zone boundaries:
  • 0.25” (6mm) from trim edge
  • 0.375” from frame edge (accounting for bleed)
Verify:
  • All text ✓
  • All logos ✓
  • All important graphics ✓
What’s OK outside: Backgrounds, decorative elements
Review colors:
  • Brand colors correct?
  • Sufficient contrast?
  • Any problematic bright colors?
Test: Soft proof (CMYK preview if available)Remember: Screen ≠ print (some shift expected)Spot colors: Verify Pantone numbers if used

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Phase 4: Export for Print

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Step 6: Configure Print for Figma

1

Select Frame

Click your design frameEnsure: Selecting correct frame if multiple
2

Launch Print for Figma

Method 1: Right-click → Plugins → Print for FigmaMethod 2: Plugins menu → Print for FigmaMethod 3: Quick actions (Cmd/Ctrl + /) → “Print for Figma”
3

Document Tab Settings

Bleed:
  • Enable: ✓
  • Amount: 0.125” (3mm)
  • Method: Manual (we designed with bleed)
Crop marks:
  • Enable: ✓
  • Style: Standard
  • Color: Black
Safety zone:
  • Enable: ✓ (for PDF guides)
  • Amount: 0.25” (6mm)
Registration marks: Usually OFF (unless printer requests)Page info: Optional
4

Color Tab Settings

Convert to CMYK:
  • Enable: ✓
ICC Profile:
  • Select: ISO Coated v2 300% (or printer-specified)
Rendering intent:
  • Select: Relative Colorimetric (standard)
Black handling:
  • Method: Automatic
  • Text: K100 (pure black)
  • Shapes: Rich black (C60 M40 Y40 K100)
Spot colors (if applicable):
  • Add spot colors
  • Map to Pantone
  • Set density: 100%
5

Export Tab Settings

DPI: 300Compression: 85% (quality/size balance)PDF Format: PDF/X-1a (print standard)Embed fonts: Yes (subset)Flatten transparency: Yes (for PDF/X-1a)Overprint black: Yes (automatic)
6

Run DPI Check

DPI Checker tab:
  • Click “Check All Images”
  • Review results
  • All images should be ≥ 300 DPI ✓
If any fail:
  • Replace with higher resolution
  • Re-check
All pass: Continue to export
7

Export PDF

Click: “Export PDF” buttonChoose location: Desktop or project folderFilename: Descriptive
  • Example: “BusinessCard_JohnDoe_FINAL.pdf”
SaveWait: Processing (few seconds)Result: Print-ready PDF created!

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Step 7: Verify PDF

1

Open PDF

Open exported PDF in viewer (Adobe Acrobat recommended)
2

Check Crop Marks

Verify visible:
  • Crop marks at all four corners ✓
  • Outside the design area ✓
  • Clear and readable ✓
3

Verify Dimensions

Document properties should show:
  • Page size: 3.75” × 2.25” (with bleed)
  • Trim box: 3.5” × 2” (final size)
4

Zoom In on Text

Zoom to 200-400%:
  • Text should be sharp ✓
  • No pixelation ✓
  • Clear edges ✓
If blurry: Check DPI, re-export if needed
5

Zoom In on Images

Zoom to 200-400%:
  • Images crisp and clear ✓
  • No visible pixels ✓
  • Smooth gradients ✓
6

Check Colors (Soft Proof)

In Acrobat (if available):
  • View → Proof Colors
  • Set working space to CMYK
Look for:
  • Major color shifts?
  • Acceptable appearance?
Remember: Screen preview is approximate
7

Verify Bleed

Check:
  • Design extends to page edges ✓
  • No white borders visible ✓
  • Backgrounds extend beyond trim marks ✓
8

Final Proofread

Read all text one more time:
  • Spelling correct ✓
  • Information accurate ✓
  • Phone/email/website correct ✓
Critical: Errors in PDF = errors in print!

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Phase 5: Production

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Step 8: Submit to Printer

1

Prepare Specifications

Document what you need:
Project: Business Cards
Quantity: 500
Size: 3.5" × 2" (standard US)
Sides: Double-sided (or single)
Paper: 350gsm coated cardstock
Finish: Matte
Special: None
File: BusinessCard_JohnDoe_FINAL.pdf
Bleed: 0.125" (3mm) included
Timeline: [When needed]
2

Submit Files

Method:
  • Upload to printer’s website
  • Email (if file < 10MB)
  • File transfer service (WeTransfer, Dropbox)
Include:
  • PDF file
  • Specifications (if not in their system)
  • Any special instructions
3

Review Printer Proof (if provided)

Digital proof:
  • Check for any issues
  • Verify colors (approximate)
  • Confirm all content present
Approve or request changes
4

Order Physical Proof (Recommended)

Before bulk order:
  • Request physical proof ($10-50)
  • Verify actual printed colors
  • Check quality
  • Confirm all looks correct
Benefit: Catch issues before 500 cards printedApprove: After reviewing physical proof
5

Approve for Production

Once satisfied:
  • Give final approval
  • Production begins
  • Wait for delivery
Timeline: 3-10 business days typically

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Best Practices Summary

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Do’s ✓

  • Design at actual size + bleed
  • Keep critical content in safety zone
  • Use 300 DPI images
  • Check spelling multiple times
  • Extend backgrounds to bleed
  • Test with physical mock-up
  • Convert to CMYK
  • Embed fonts
  • Order a proof before bulk

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Don’ts ✗

  • Place text at trim edge
  • Use low-resolution images
  • Forget to add bleed
  • Skip proofreading
  • Use problematic RGB colors
  • Design without specifications
  • Export without DPI check
  • Print thousands without proof
  • Rush the process

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Workflow Checklist

Planning:
  • Final size determined
  • Bleed calculated
  • Content gathered
  • Specifications confirmed
Setup:
  • Frame created (with bleed)
  • Guides added (bleed, trim, safety)
  • Reference zones marked
Design:
  • Background extends to bleed
  • All content in safety zone
  • Text ≥ 8pt minimum
  • Images ≥ 300 DPI
  • Colors print-safe
  • Alignment intentional
Pre-Flight:
  • Spelling checked
  • DPI verified (all images)
  • Text readable
  • Safe zone respected
  • Color review complete
Export:
  • Document settings configured
  • Color conversion enabled
  • DPI set to 300
  • PDF format: PDF/X-1a
  • Fonts embedded
  • DPI check passed
Verification:
  • PDF opened and inspected
  • Crop marks visible
  • Text sharp (zoomed in)
  • Images clear
  • Bleed present
  • Final proofread
Production:
  • Specifications prepared
  • File submitted
  • Proof ordered (recommended)
  • Quality approved
  • Production approved

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Troubleshooting

Problem: Design doesn’t look right in CMYK Solution: Some RGB colors can’t be reproduced in CMYK. Use CMYK-friendly colors or add spot colors for brand accuracy.
Problem: Images look pixelated in PDF Solution: Images below 300 DPI. Replace with higher resolution images and re-export.
Problem: Text cut off at edges Solution: Content too close to trim edge. Move inside safety zone (0.25” from trim).
Problem: White gaps around edges Solution: Design doesn’t extend to bleed. Expand backgrounds to full frame size (including bleed).

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Learn More

Color Accuracy

Get colors right in print

Preflight Checklist

Comprehensive pre-print checks

Working with Printers

Communicate with print shops

First Project

Beginner-friendly walkthrough
Success Tip: Follow this workflow every time, and you’ll consistently produce print-ready files that printers love!