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Getting Started with Print for Figma

Master the basics of print-ready PDF creation with these beginner-friendly video tutorials. Perfect for designers new to print or the plugin.
New to print design? Start with Video 1 and work through in order. Each video builds on concepts from previous lessons.

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Basics Video Series

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Video 1: Installation and First Export

Your First Print-Ready PDF

Duration: 8 minutesWhat you’ll learn:
  • Installing Print for Figma plugin
  • Understanding the plugin interface
  • Creating your first print-ready PDF
  • Opening and verifying the PDF output
Topics covered:
  • Plugin installation from Figma Community
  • Basic interface tour (Document, Color, Export tabs)
  • Setting up a simple business card design
  • Exporting with default settings
  • Viewing results in PDF viewer
Prerequisites: None - complete beginner friendlyFiles included: Sample business card Figma file
 Key takeaways:
  • Print for Figma makes PDF export simple
  • Three main tabs: Document, Color, Export
  • Default settings work for most projects
  • Always verify your PDF after export

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Video 2: Understanding Bleed and Crop Marks

Bleed Explained Simply

Duration: 12 minutesWhat you’ll learn:
  • What bleed is and why it’s critical
  • How to set up bleed in Print for Figma
  • Understanding crop marks
  • Safety zones for text and logos
Topics covered:
  • Bleed concept with visual examples
  • Standard bleed amount (0.125” / 3mm)
  • Enabling bleed in Document tab
  • Extending backgrounds to bleed edge
  • Crop marks and trim lines
  • Safety zone: 0.25” from edge
Prerequisites: Video 1 (Installation basics)Common mistakes addressed:
  • Not extending backgrounds to bleed
  • Placing text too close to edge
  • Confusing bleed with margin
 Key takeaways:
  • Bleed = extra area beyond trim for cutting variation
  • Standard: 0.125” (3mm) on all sides
  • Always extend backgrounds to bleed edge
  • Keep important content 0.25” from edge

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Video 3: RGB vs CMYK Color Basics

Colors for Print - RGB to CMYK

Duration: 15 minutesWhat you’ll learn:
  • Difference between RGB and CMYK
  • Why screen colors look different when printed
  • Converting colors properly
  • Using ICC profiles
Topics covered:
  • RGB (screen) vs CMYK (print) explanation
  • Color gamut and why some colors can’t print
  • Enabling CMYK conversion in Color tab
  • Choosing ICC profile (ISO Coated v2 300%)
  • Soft proofing: previewing print colors
  • Setting realistic expectations
Prerequisites: Videos 1-2Demonstrations:
  • Side-by-side RGB vs CMYK comparison
  • Common problematic colors (neon, electric blues)
  • Choosing print-safe colors from start
 Key takeaways:
  • RGB (screen) ≠ CMYK (print)
  • Some bright colors can’t be reproduced in print
  • Always enable CMYK conversion
  • Use ISO Coated v2 300% if unsure of profile

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Video 4: Resolution and Image Quality

DPI and Image Resolution Explained

Duration: 10 minutesWhat you’ll learn:
  • What DPI means for print
  • Why 300 DPI is the standard
  • How to check image resolution
  • Fixing low-resolution images
Topics covered:
  • DPI (Dots Per Inch) explained simply
  • 300 DPI standard for print
  • Calculating needed image size
  • Formula: inches × 300 = pixels needed
  • Checking image resolution in Figma
  • Downsampling to reduce file size
Prerequisites: Videos 1-3Practical examples:
  • Business card image sizing
  • Flyer photo requirements
  • When you can use lower DPI (large format)
 Key takeaways:
  • 300 DPI is print standard
  • Calculate: Print size (inches) × 300 = pixels needed
  • Higher isn’t always better (file size increases)
  • Check all images before exporting

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Video 5: Export Settings Explained

Mastering Export Settings

Duration: 13 minutesWhat you’ll learn:
  • Understanding all export settings
  • When to adjust compression
  • PDF format options (PDF/X-1a, etc.)
  • Font embedding
Topics covered:
  • Export tab complete walkthrough
  • DPI setting: 300 for standard print
  • Compression: 85% balanced default
  • PDF Format: PDF/X-1a (most compatible)
  • Font embedding: why it’s critical
  • Downsampling images for smaller files
Prerequisites: Videos 1-4Settings recommendations:
  • Standard projects: 300 DPI, 85% compression, PDF/X-1a
  • High-quality: 300 DPI, 95% compression
  • Large files: Enable downsampling
 Key takeaways:
  • 300 DPI, 85% compression, PDF/X-1a = good defaults
  • Always embed fonts
  • Compression affects file size and quality
  • PDF/X-1a is most compatible format

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Video 6: Business Card Complete Workflow

Business Card from Design to Print

Duration: 20 minutesWhat you’ll learn:
  • Complete business card creation
  • Proper setup from start to finish
  • Common mistakes and how to avoid them
  • Sending to printer
Topics covered:
  • Setting up frame: 3.5” × 2” (US standard)
  • Adding 0.125” bleed
  • Designing with safety zones
  • Using pure black for text (K100)
  • Converting to CMYK
  • Exporting print-ready PDF
  • Verifying output
  • Communicating with printer
Prerequisites: Videos 1-5Full workflow demonstration:
  • From blank Figma file to print-ready PDF
  • Real-world design considerations
  • Quality checks
  • What to send to printer
 Key takeaways:
  • Proper setup prevents problems
  • Safety zones protect important content
  • Pure black (K100) for all text
  • Always verify PDF before sending

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Quick Reference: Basics Checklist

After watching all basics videos, you should know:
  • How to install and launch Print for Figma
  • What bleed is and how to set it up (0.125” / 3mm)
  • Difference between RGB and CMYK
  • How to enable CMYK conversion
  • What DPI means (300 for print standard)
  • How to check image resolution
  • Basic export settings (300 DPI, 85% compression, PDF/X-1a)
  • Why fonts must be embedded
  • Safety zones for text (0.25” from edge)
  • How to verify PDF output
  • Complete workflow for simple projects

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Practice Projects

After completing basics series, try these:
Goal: Create 8.5” × 11” flyerPractice skills:
  • Setting up Letter size
  • Adding bleed
  • Using background images
  • Text safety zones
  • CMYK conversion
Success criteria:
  • PDF exports successfully
  • Bleed extends properly
  • Images are 300 DPI
  • Text is readable and safe from edges
Goal: Create 4” × 6” postcardPractice skills:
  • Custom frame size
  • Front and back design
  • Image placement with bleed
  • Color conversion
  • Double-sided considerations
Success criteria:
  • Both sides export correctly
  • All content extends to bleed
  • Colors look good in CMYK
  • 300 DPI throughout
Goal: Create sheet with 10 business cardsPractice skills:
  • Multiple instances
  • Consistent spacing
  • Batch export
  • Efficient workflow
Success criteria:
  • All 10 cards identical
  • Proper bleed on each
  • Efficient file organization
  • Print-ready output

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Common Questions (Basics)

Short answer: No, but helpfulWhat you need:
  • PDF viewer (Preview on Mac, built-in on Windows)
  • Works for basic PDF checking
Adobe Acrobat helpful for:
  • Preflight checking
  • Overprint preview
  • Professional verification
  • Not required for beginners
Free alternatives:
  • Mac Preview: Built-in, basic checking
  • PDF-XChange Viewer (Windows): Free, good features
  • Browser PDF viewers: Basic viewing only
This is normal: RGB (screen) vs CMYK (print)What to do:
  1. Accept some difference is inevitable
  2. Use soft proofing to preview
  3. Design with CMYK-safe colors
  4. Order test print for critical projects
See:
Common causes:
  • Wrong PDF format
  • File too large
  • RGB instead of CMYK
  • Missing fonts
Solutions:
  1. Check: PDF/X-1a format selected
  2. Enable: CMYK conversion
  3. Enable: Font embedding
  4. Reduce: File size if over printer’s limit
Always: Ask printer their specifications firstSee:
Check in Figma:
  1. Select image
  2. Look at properties panel
  3. Note pixel dimensions
Calculate:
Needed pixels = Print size (inches) × 300

Example: 2" × 3" image
Needed: 600 × 900 pixels

If your image: 1200 × 1800 pixels
Result: ✓ Good (2× needed)
Rule: Image pixels should be ≥ print dimensions × 300See: Video 4 (Resolution) for details
No - wrong toolPrint for Figma: Print-ready PDFs only
  • CMYK colors
  • 300 DPI
  • Bleed and crop marks
  • PDF format
For web: Use Figma’s built-in export
  • RGB colors
  • 72-96 PPI
  • PNG, JPG, SVG formats
  • No bleed needed
Different workflows: Use right tool for each

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Next Steps After Basics

Ready for more? Continue your learning:

Advanced Video Series

Covers:
  • Advanced color management
  • Spot colors (Pantone)
  • Complex multi-page documents
  • Troubleshooting
For: Intermediate users ready to level up

Project-Based Series

Real projects:
  • Magazine layout
  • Product packaging
  • Catalog design
  • Complete workflows
For: Hands-on learning with real designs

Written Tutorials

Detailed guides:
  • Design to print workflow
  • Color accuracy deep dive
  • Working with printers
  • Cost optimization
For: In-depth written reference

Use Case Guides

Project-specific:
  • Business cards
  • Flyers & posters
  • Brochures & booklets
  • Packaging & stickers
For: Quick reference for specific projects

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Download Practice Files

Practice files: Download sample Figma files to follow along with video tutorialsIncludes:
  • Business card template (blank)
  • Business card example (completed)
  • Flyer template
  • Postcard template
  • Practice images (300 DPI)
How to use: Duplicate to your Figma account and practice techniques from videos

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Give Feedback

Help us improve these tutorials:
  • Which videos were most helpful?
  • What topics need more explanation?
  • What should we cover next?
  • Did you encounter any issues?
Contact: [Support/feedback method]
Learning tip: Watch each video, then immediately practice the techniques. Hands-on experience solidifies learning much faster than passive watching.

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Learn More

Quick Start Guide

5-minute setup and first export

Print Basics

Fundamental print concepts

Export Settings

Complete settings reference

Troubleshooting

Fix common problems