Guides
Print-ready PDFs, explained for designers
You designed something in Canva, Figma, Adobe Express or Kittl and now it has to be printed. These guides explain what a print shop means by “CMYK”, “total ink” or “rich black”, and how to get from your design tool to a file the press is happy with.
From your design tool to a print-ready PDF
- How to convert a Canva design to a CMYK PDF for printExport your Canva design as a print PDF, then convert it to CMYK and lower the ink with CMYKflow. Step by step, with what to check before printing.
- Figma to print-ready CMYK PDFFigma's documented PDF export settings offer no CMYK option. How to set up a frame for print, export a PDF and convert it to CMYK with CMYKflow.
- Adobe Express: download a PDF for printHow to download a print PDF from Adobe Express with bleed and crop marks, what its CMYK and RGB color modes mean, and how to lower the ink with CMYKflow.
- Kittl and other design tools: getting a CMYK PDF for printExport a print PDF from Kittl, VistaCreate or any design app, then convert it to CMYK and lower the ink with CMYKflow. Settings to look for and what to avoid.
- My printer asked for a CMYK file. What do I do?Your print shop wants CMYK or says the file has too much ink. What that means, what to ask them, and how to make a CMYK PDF from any design tool.
Print color basics
- Why colors look different in print than on screenScreens glow, paper reflects. Why bright screen colors print duller, why dark areas change, and what you can do before you print.
- RGB vs CMYK explained for designersWhat RGB and CMYK mean, why print needs CMYK, what color profiles do, and when and how to convert your design files without surprises.
- What is total ink coverage (TAC) and why printers careTotal ink coverage (TAC) adds up the four CMYK inks at one spot. What the number means, why print shops set a limit, and how to lower it.
- Printing large dark or black backgrounds: common problemsDark posters, black menus and navy business cards are the files printers complain about most. Why large dark areas cause trouble and how to prepare them.
- Rich black vs plain black: which to use and whenPlain black is black ink only; rich black adds other inks for a deeper tone. When to use each, how much ink is too much, and what happens to black in your PDF.