How to Export Print-Ready PDFs from Figma (Complete 2025 Guide)

The Challenge: Figma's PDF Export Limitations

Figma can export PDFs, but standard Figma PDF exports lack critical features commercial printers need:

❌ No CMYK color conversion - Figma exports RGB only ❌ No bleed support - Manual workarounds required ❌ No crop marks - Can't add registration marks ❌ No DPI verification - Hard to ensure 300 DPI quality ❌ No PDF/X compliance - Not print industry standard format

This guide shows you how to create true print-ready PDFs from Figma that printers can use immediately.

What is a Print-Ready PDF?

A print-ready PDF is a PDF file formatted to exact commercial printing specifications.

Print-Ready PDF Requirements

Professional print shops require PDFs with:

1. CMYK color mode - Not RGB
2. 300 DPI resolution - Minimum for quality prints
3. Bleed - Extra content (usually 3mm or 0.125") beyond trim size
4. Crop marks - Registration marks showing where to cut
5. Embedded fonts - No font substitution
6. PDF/X-4 format - Industry standard specification
7. Correct page size - Final trim size + bleed

Why These Requirements Matter

CMYK vs RGB:

• RGB colors on screen look different when printed
• CMYK is the print color space (4 ink colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)
• RGB-only PDFs cause color shifts and rejected print jobs

Bleed:

• Prevents white edges after cutting
• Content extends beyond final cut line
• Standard bleed: 3mm (international) or 0.125" (US)

Crop marks:

• Shows printer exactly where to cut
• Ensures accurate trimming
• Required by most commercial printers

300 DPI:

• Industry minimum for photo-quality prints
• Lower DPI appears pixelated
• Higher DPI (600) used for specialty printing

Method 1: Export Print-Ready PDF Using Print for Figma (Recommended)

The fastest way to get print-ready PDFs from Figma is using the Print for Figma plugin.

Why Use Print for Figma Plugin?

• ✅ Automatic CMYK conversion with ICC profiles
• ✅ Built-in DPI verification
• ✅ Automatic bleed generation (4 modes)
• ✅ One-click crop marks
• ✅ PDF/X-4 compliant export
• ✅ Multi-page support
• ✅ Spot color preservation
• ✅ Under 2 minutes per export

Install Print for Figma →

Step-by-Step: Export with Print for Figma

1. Prepare Your Design

Create your design in Figma with correct dimensions:

• Business card: 89×51mm (3.5×2")
• Flyer (US): 215.9×279.4mm (8.5×11")
• Flyer (A4): 210×297mm
• Custom: Any size you need

2. Run the Plugin

• Right-click your frame
• Select Plugins → Print for Figma
• Or press ⌘/ and type "print for figma"

3. Configure Settings

Print size: Use frame dimensions or select preset (A4, Letter, etc.)

Bleed: Choose bleed amount

• 3mm - International standard (A4, A5)
• 0.125" (3.175mm) - US standard (Letter, Tabloid)
• Custom - Enter specific value

Bleed mode: Select how to extend content

• Extend - Stretches edge content (safest, recommended)
• Mirror - Mirrors edge pixels outward
• Blur - Blurs edge content
• Solid color - Fills with chosen color

Color mode: Select CMYK

• Automatic RGB → CMYK conversion
• Uses ISO Coated v2 (Europe) or US Web Coated SWOP (US) profile
• Embedded ICC profile in PDF

Crop marks: Enable checkbox

• Adds corner registration marks
• Shows printer where to cut

4. Verify DPI

Plugin shows DPI indicator:

• ✅ Green: 300+ DPI (perfect)
• ⚠️ Yellow: 150-299 DPI (acceptable for drafts)
• ❌ Red: Below 150 DPI (too low, increase frame size)

5. Export PDF

• Click "Export PDF" button
• Choose save location
• Name your file descriptively
• Save

Result: Print-ready PDF/X-4 file with CMYK, bleed, crop marks, 300 DPI.

Time: Under 2 minutes from design to print-ready file.

Learn more: How to Use Print for Figma →

Method 2: Manual Export (Advanced, Time-Consuming)

If you can't use the plugin, here's how to manually prepare print-ready PDFs.

Step One: Prepare Design with Bleed

Add bleed to your Figma frame:

1. Calculate bleed size (3mm or 0.125")
2. Extend frame by bleed on all sides:
   • Original A4: 210×297mm
   • With 3mm bleed: 216×303mm (add 6mm width, 6mm height)
3. Extend your design to fill entire bleed area
4. Mark safe area (inner rectangle showing final trim)

Example: Business card with bleed

• Final size: 89×51mm (3.5×2")
• Bleed: 3mm all sides
• Frame size: 95×57mm
• Design extends to 95×57mm edges
• Keep important content inside 89×51mm safe area

Step Two: Calculate 300 DPI Dimensions

Convert physical size to pixels at 300 DPI.

Formula:

Pixels = (Physical Size in Inches) × 300 DPI

Examples with bleed:

Business card (3.5×2" + 0.125" bleed):

• With bleed: 3.75×2.25 inches
• Pixels: 1125×675 px

Flyer (8.5×11" + 0.125" bleed):

• With bleed: 8.75×11.25 inches
• Pixels: 2625×3375 px

A4 (210×297mm + 3mm bleed):

• With bleed: 216×303mm = 8.5×11.93 inches
• Pixels: 2550×3579 px

Use our Pixels to MM Calculator → to verify dimensions.

Step Three: Create Frame at Correct Pixel Size

1. Select frame in Figma
2. Resize to calculated pixel dimensions
3. Ensure design fills entire frame (including bleed)
4. Verify content at 100% scale looks sharp

Step Four: Export PDF from Figma

1. Select frame
2. Right-click → Export
3. Change format to PDF
4. Settings:
   • Scale: 1x (critical!)
   • Include: "ID" unchecked
   • Suffix: Leave blank or use "-bleed"
5. Click Export

Step Five: Convert RGB to CMYK (Requires External Software)

Figma exports RGB-only PDFs. You must convert to CMYK using:

Option A: Adobe Acrobat Pro

1. Open PDF in Acrobat Pro
2. Tools → Print Production → Convert Colors
3. Matching criteria: RGB
4. Conversion profile: ISO Coated v2 (ECI) or US Web Coated SWOP
5. Convert → OK

Option B: Adobe Illustrator

1. Open PDF in Illustrator
2. File → Document Color Mode → CMYK
3. File → Save As → PDF
4. PDF/X-4 preset
5. Save

Option C: Online converters (not recommended for professional work)

• Often reduce quality
• No control over ICC profiles
• May strip important metadata

Step Six: Add Crop Marks (Adobe Software)

In Adobe Acrobat Pro:

1. Tools → Print Production → Add Printer Marks
2. Check "Crop marks"
3. Width: 0.5pt
4. Offset: 3mm (or your bleed amount)
5. Apply

In Adobe Illustrator:

1. With PDF open, go to File → Print
2. Check "Crop Marks" in Marks section
3. Print to PDF

Manual Method Drawbacks

• ⏱️ Time-consuming: 15-30 minutes per file
• 💰 Expensive: Requires Adobe subscription ($54.99/month)
• 🔧 Technical: Requires PDF production knowledge
• ⚠️ Error-prone: Easy to miss critical settings
• 🔄 Not repeatable: Hard to ensure consistency

Our recommendation: Use Print for Figma plugin instead. It's faster, more accurate, and doesn't require expensive software.

PDF/X-4 Explained

PDF/X-4 is the ISO standard for print-ready PDFs.

What PDF/X-4 Includes

• CMYK color space (RGB allowed but converted)
• Embedded ICC color profiles
• Embedded fonts
• Transparency support
• Spot color channels
• Bleed box definition
• Trim box definition
• No RGB images (or RGB tagged for conversion)

Why PDF/X-4 vs Regular PDF?

Bottom line: PDF/X-4 = Print shop can print it without issues.

Common Print-Ready PDF Specifications

Different print types have different requirements:

Business Cards

Size: 3.5×2 inches (89×51mm) Bleed: 0.125" or 3mm Resolution: 300 DPI minimum With bleed: 3.75×2.25" (1125×675px) Color: CMYK Crop marks: Required

Business Card Design Guide →

Flyers & Posters

US Letter: 8.5×11" A4: 210×297mm Bleed: 0.125" (US) or 3mm (international) Resolution: 300 DPI (small), 150 DPI acceptable for large posters Color: CMYK Crop marks: Required

Flyer Design Guide →

Brochures

Common sizes: 8.5×11" (tri-fold), A4 Bleed: 0.125" or 3mm all pages Resolution: 300 DPI Pages: Multi-page PDF Color: CMYK Crop marks: Required on all pages Binding: Specify (saddle-stitch, perfect bound, etc.)

Brochure Design Guide →

Packaging

Size: Custom die-cut templates Bleed: 3-5mm (larger for complex shapes) Resolution: 300 DPI minimum Color: CMYK + spot colors Crop marks: Required Special: Die lines, fold lines, safety area

Packaging Design Guide →

Verifying Your Print-Ready PDF

Before sending to printer, verify your PDF is correct.

Checklist: Is Your PDF Print-Ready?

✅ File format

• PDF/X-4 or PDF/X-1a format
• Not a regular PDF

✅ Color mode

• CMYK color space
• ICC profile embedded
• No RGB images (or tagged for conversion)

✅ Resolution

• 300 DPI minimum at final print size
• Images sharp when zoomed to 200%
• No pixelation visible

✅ Page size

• Correct trim size + bleed
• Page size = final size + bleed on all sides
• Example: A4 (210×297mm) + 3mm bleed = 216×303mm

✅ Bleed

• 3mm or 0.125" on all sides
• Content extends to bleed edge
• No white edges in bleed area

✅ Crop marks

• Visible at all 4 corners
• Outside bleed area
• Clear and readable

✅ Fonts

• All fonts embedded
• No missing font warnings
• Text sharp and readable

✅ Safe area

• Important content 3-5mm from trim edge
• Text not too close to cuts
• Logos and key elements protected

How to Check PDF Properties

Adobe Acrobat:

• File → Properties → Description
• Check "PDF Version" (should be PDF/X-4 or PDF/X-1a)
• Check "Page size" (should include bleed)

Adobe Acrobat color check:

• Tools → Print Production → Output Preview
• Simulation profile: ISO Coated v2 (or printer's profile)
• Preview shows how it will print

Mac Preview:

• Tools → Show Inspector
• General tab shows page size
• Limited color space checking

Sending Print-Ready PDFs to Printers

What to Include with Your PDF

1. The print-ready PDF file

Name it descriptively:

• business-card-front-cmyk-bleed.pdf
• flyer-8.5x11-cmyk-300dpi.pdf
• poster-24x36-bleed-3mm.pdf

2. Print specifications document

Include:

• Quantity: How many copies
• Paper stock: Type and weight (e.g., "100lb gloss cover")
• Finish: Gloss, matte, uncoated
• Color: "4-color process (CMYK)"
• Bleed: "3mm bleed included, cut on crop marks"
• Binding: If applicable (saddle-stitch, perfect bound, etc.)
• Special finishes: Lamination, spot UV, foil stamping, etc.

3. Proof (if first time with this printer)

• Request a printed proof before full run
• Verify colors match expectations
• Check trim alignment

Questions Printers May Ask

"What's the file format?"

• "PDF/X-4 with embedded CMYK profile"

"What color space?"

• "CMYK, ISO Coated v2 (ECI)" or "US Web Coated SWOP"

"What's the bleed?"

• "3mm all sides" or "0.125 inches all sides"

"Are fonts embedded?"

• "Yes, all fonts embedded"

"What's the final trim size?"

• Give dimensions WITHOUT bleed
• Example: "Final trim: 8.5×11 inches"

"What resolution?"

• "300 DPI at final size"

"Are crop marks included?"

• "Yes, crop marks at corners"

Common Print-Ready PDF Issues and Fixes

Issue: Colors Look Different Than Screen

Cause: CMYK color space conversion from RGB

Why it happens:

• Screens display RGB (millions of colors)
• Print uses CMYK (smaller color gamut)
• Some RGB colors can't be reproduced in CMYK
• Bright blues, greens, neons often shift

Solution:

• This is normal and expected
• Request printed proof to see actual colors
• Use CMYK color picker in design phase for critical color matching
• Consider Pantone spot colors for exact brand colors

Issue: PDF File Size is Huge (>50MB)

Causes:

• Uncompressed images
• Excessive effects (shadows, blurs)
• Multiple overlapping layers

Solutions:

• Compress images before importing to Figma
• Flatten complex effects
• Rasterize heavy vector elements
• Use Print for Figma's optimization (automatic)

Issue: Printer Says "No Bleed"

Causes:

• Bleed not added to design
• PDF exported at trim size only

Solutions:

• Verify page size = trim + bleed
• Example: A4 (210×297mm) + 3mm bleed = 216×303mm page
• Re-export with bleed included

Issue: Content is Cut Off

Causes:

• Important content too close to trim edge
• No safe area margin

Solutions:

• Keep text/logos 3-5mm from trim edge
• Redesign with proper safe area
• Re-export

Issue: Low Resolution Warning from Printer

Causes:

• Frame too small in Figma
• Export scale wrong (not 1x)
• DPI below 300

Solutions:

• Calculate correct pixel dimensions at 300 DPI
• Resize Figma frame to larger size
• Ensure 1x export scale
• Use Print for Figma's DPI checker

Learn more: How to Export 300 DPI →

Print-Ready PDF Workflow Comparison

Recommendation: Use Print for Figma for professional, consistent results in minimal time.

Next Steps

Learn More About Print-Ready PDFs

• What is Print for Figma? →
• How to Use Print for Figma →
• CMYK Export Guide →
• Understanding Bleed Modes →

Design-Specific Guides

• Business Card Design →
• Flyer Design →
• Poster Design →
• Brochure Design →

Free Print Tools

• Pixels to MM Calculator (300 DPI) →
• Inches to CM Converter →
• Bleed Calculator →
• RGB to CMYK Converter →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I export print-ready PDFs from Figma without a plugin?

Yes, but it requires manual work: calculate 300 DPI dimensions, manually add bleed to your design, export at 1x scale, then use Adobe software to convert RGB to CMYK and add crop marks. This takes 15-30 minutes per file. Print for Figma automates all steps in under 2 minutes.

What's the difference between PDF and PDF/X-4?

Regular PDFs can contain any content. PDF/X-4 is an ISO standard specifically for printing that requires: CMYK color space, embedded fonts, embedded ICC profiles, and defined trim/bleed boxes. Print shops prefer PDF/X-4 because it guarantees print compatibility.

Do all printers require crop marks?

Most commercial print shops require crop marks to know where to trim your design. Home printers don't need them. If unsure, include crop marks — printers can ignore them if not needed, but can't add them if missing.

How do I know if my PDF is 300 DPI?

Print for Figma shows DPI automatically. For manual PDFs: open in Adobe Acrobat, go to Tools → Print Production → Output Preview, and check the effective resolution. Or calculate: DPI = pixels ÷ (inches including bleed).

Can I print RGB PDFs from Figma?

Home inkjet printers can print RGB PDFs. Commercial printers require CMYK. RGB files sent to commercial printers will either be rejected or automatically converted (usually with poor color results).

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Ready to export print-ready PDFs in under 2 minutes? Install Print for Figma →