--- title: What file format should I submit for print? description: Bradford & Bigelow's preferred file format is PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4. Learn what makes a print-ready PDF and how to export your files before you submit. --- [Skip to content](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/publisher-resource-center/what-file-format-should-i-submit-for-print#main-content) ![Logo600px-1](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Logo600px-1.png?width=250&height=67&name=Logo600px-1.png) - [Back to the B&B Website](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/meet-the-team) - [More Resources](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog) - [Get a Quote](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/quote) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Back to the B&B Website](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/meet-the-team) - [More Resources](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/blog) - [Get a Quote](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/quote) - [Contact Us](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/contact) [Contact Us](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/contact?hsLang=en) How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Publisher Resource Center](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/publisher-resource-center?hsLang=en) 2. [Prepress](https://www.bradford-bigelow.com/publisher-resource-center/prepress?hsLang=en) # What file format should I submit for print? ## Find out which file formats Bradford & Bigelow accepts and how to export your files correctly. Submitting your files in the right format is one of the most straightforward ways to keep your project on schedule. Incorrect file formats are a common cause of prepress delays, so here's what you need to know before you send. **Preferred file format** Bradford & Bigelow's preferred file format for all print-ready submissions is **PDF/X-1a** or **PDF/X-4**. These are standardized PDF formats designed specifically for print production. They embed all fonts, flatten transparency, and ensure color settings are preserved, reducing the risk of output errors. **What makes a print-ready PDF?** A properly prepared print-ready PDF should include: - All fonts embedded - Images at 300 DPI or higher at final print size - Color mode set to CMYK (not RGB) - Bleed of 0.125" on all edges where design extends to the trim - Crop marks included - No password protection or security settings **What about native files?** Bradford & Bigelow does not accept native design files (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Word, etc.) as final print-ready submissions. If you're working in one of these applications, export to PDF before submitting. If you need guidance on export settings, contact our prepress team. **Submitting your files** Files can be submitted through InSite or FTP.  **Not sure if your file is ready?** Use our print file readiness checker to review your file against B&B's requirements before you submit. Catching issues early keeps your project on schedule. ## Print Readiness & Proof Review File specs + publisher proof checklist — 22 items across two phases Phase 1: File Submission 0/9 Phase 2: Proof Review 0/13 0 of 22 items reviewed 0%   File Format   Press-ready PDF with embedded fonts All fonts must be embedded. Other formats may incur additional fees and processing time. Mark as issue Color   Images are CMYK, Grayscale, or Pantone — not RGB File color must match quoted colors. RGB images are not suitable for print. Mark as issue   Ink channels match job type 4-color: CMYK only. Black-only: no rich black or registration black. Spot colors only when quoted. Mark as issue   No ICC profiles Color space must be native CMYK, black, or PMS. ICC-profiled files are not accepted. Mark as issue Resolution   All images 300 DPI minimum Web images at 72 DPI are not suitable for print and will cause noticeable quality loss. Mark as issue Bleed, Safety & Trim   0.125" bleed on all edge artwork Artwork going to the document edge must extend 1/8" beyond the trim line. Mark as issue   Critical elements 0.125" inside edge Text, images, and logos must stay at least 1/8" from the trim edge to avoid cutoff during trimming. Mark as issue   Crop marks offset at least 12 points If crop marks are present, they must be offset 12pt+ so they do not interfere with bleed elements. Mark as issue   Trim size matches quoted spec Any deviation from the quoted trim size can result in unexpected margin differences. Mark as issue Continue to Proof Review → Layout & Pagination   Page order and front/back matter correct Check for correct page order, missing or duplicated pages, blank pages where intended, and proper front/back matter placement. Mark as issue   Running headers, footers, and page numbers Verify consistent chapter openings, section breaks, running headers/footers, page numbering, and table of contents alignment. Mark as issue Trim & Bleed (Proof View)   Bleed elements extend properly beyond trim Confirm all bleed elements extend past trim, no critical content sits too close to the edge, and page margins feel consistent throughout. Mark as issue Image Quality   No low-res, pixelated, or soft images Review for low-resolution images, unexpected color shifts, cropping issues, incorrect scaling, or pixelation. Mark as issue   Charts, tables, equations, and line art Educational elements can reproduce differently from photography. Check fine rules, math equations, and data tables with extra care. Mark as issue Color Review   Overall color balance and consistency Review overall balance, flesh tones and neutral grays, saturation levels, brand/program colors, and contrast in educational graphics. Mark as issue   No out-of-gamut colors that may shift Color interacts with paper stock and the press. Ask B&B if the proof was generated with the correct color profile and stock simulation. Mark as issue Registration & Trapping   No misaligned color edges or halos Watch for misaligned color edges, halos around text or graphics, and fine reversed type reproducing poorly from backgrounds. Mark as issue   Trapping on small reversed text and thin rules Even with automated trapping, check small reversed text, thin rules, and complex color transitions closely. Mark as issue Cover & Spine   Spine width, text centering, and alignment Spine width is driven by page count and paper stock. Verify spine text is centered and front cover, spine, and back cover align correctly. Mark as issue   Barcode placement and safe areas at hinges Check barcode position and safe areas near hinges or folds. Small cover errors become very visible once bound. Mark as issue Proofing Method   Proof type is appropriate for this job Insite softproof is most accurate for interiors (ripped to press). Epson proof (G7-calibrated) is used for covers. PDF softproof is the least accurate — it does not show how the file will rip. Mark as issue   Ready to approve or submit corrections If corrections are needed, AA re-prep starts at $50 (preflight) + $25 first page + $5.50 each additional. Epson reproof $15/page. Laser $0.50/page. Prepress hours $136.50/hr. Mark as issue 0 Passed 0 Issues 22 Pending [Get a Quote](https://resources.bradford-bigelow.com/quote?hsLang=en) Questions? 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