Preparing Your Canva Files for Professional Printing

At Castle Press, we want your printed materials to look their best. That starts with sending us files that are truly press-ready. If you're using Canva to design your projects, this step-by-step guide will help you create a PDF that meets professional printing standards. Follow the simple instructions below to ensure your files are set up correctly and avoid delays, rework, or added cost.

Step 1: Set the Correct Dimensions and Bleed

Before you start designing, make sure you set your file to the correct dimensions.

Here’s how:

• Go to the “Custom Size” option in Canva and input your required size to make a new document.

• Enable bleed by clicking on “File” then “Settings” and selecting “Show Print Bleed.”

  This will ensure your design extends slightly beyond the edge for a clean cut.

Step 2: Embed Fonts and Graphics

To avoid issues with missing fonts or blurry images:

• Make sure any fonts or graphics you use in Canva are either uploaded at high resolution or are Canva-provided assets.

• Avoid using very thin fonts or intricate details, which may not print clearly.

Step 3: Export as a Print-Ready PDF

Once your design is complete:

• Click “Share” in the upper right corner.

• Then select, “Download”

• Under “File Type,” choose “PDF Print.”

• Click the boxes for both “Crop Marks and Bleed” and “Flatten PDF” to prevent layers from shifting during printing. Learn more about crop marks and bleeds1 and flattened PDFs

• Switch the color profile to CMYK3

Printing uses CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) colors, but Canva works in RGB. To ensure your design prints correctly:

• Stick to colors that translate well to CMYK by avoiding overly bright or neon tones

• When you download it, use the “Color Profile” menu to convert your design to CMYK

Step 4: Review the PDF

Before sending the file to your printer, open the PDF and review it carefully:

• Check that the bleed, crop marks, and content are correctly aligned

• Confirm all text is readable, images are clear, and no crucial elements are cut off

Following these five steps will make sure your Canva designs are press-ready, avoiding costly reprints and delays.

We hope you find this Canva file prep guide helpful. If you have any questions about bleeds, crop marks, color profiles, or anything else related to getting your files press-ready, feel free to reach out to our prepress team.

We are here to help make your print experience smooth, accurate, and stress-free.

➤ Download a PDF of this guide HERE

➤ Upload your files here

➤ Contact us by email

➤ Or call us at (800) 794-0858 (Anaheim) or (310) 824-6300 (West Los Angeles)