A graphic can look excellent on screen and still fail in production. Choose the right workflow, build a product-specific prompt, and catch resolution, bleed, color and text problems before they become expensive paper.
An AI tool can describe a print-ready file without truly creating one. Metadata is not resolution. A generated square that resembles a QR code is not necessarily functional. Calling something “close enough” is a bold production strategy.
If your AI tool and Canva can produce a verified print PDF, send that. If clean text, logos or production settings are uncertain, send the visual concept and editable ingredients separately so the final piece can be assembled correctly.
Use AI for the visual, finish the layout in Canva, and export a high-quality PDF that meets the project specifications.
Choose this when the AI concept is strong but its words, logos, dimensions or technical output are unreliable.
Using InDesign, Illustrator or another professional layout tool? View those instructions ↓
| Critical difference | Print-ready PDF | Concept + separate files |
|---|---|---|
| Best when | The design is finished and technically verified. | The idea is approved but the production file is not trustworthy. |
| Text | Clean, accurate and already placed in Canva. | Provided separately for accurate typesetting. |
| Images | High resolution at the final printed size. | Clean standalone files at the largest available size. |
| Bleed | Included in the exported PDF. | Boyds can establish it during final layout. |
| Boyds role | Preflight, proof and print. | Rebuild or finish, then preflight, proof and print. |
Enter the finished size and creative direction. The builder calculates the bleed canvas and pixel dimensions, then creates a prompt for the workflow you selected.
Our one-page Bleed Flyer shows the difference between artwork that reaches the edge and artwork that does not, explains the 0.125-inch bleed allowance, and identifies the trim edge and safety zone.
Download the Boyds Bleed Flyer (PDF)Create the document at finished trim size, set a 0.125-inch bleed on all sides, extend edge-to-edge artwork through the bleed, and keep important content at least 0.25 inch inside trim. Export a press-quality PDF using document bleed settings, embed fonts, and include crop marks only when requested. Supply packaged source files when Boyds needs to make production changes.
View Boyds PDF Preflight ResourcesTell us the finished size, quantity, deadline and intended use. Boyds Direct can preflight a completed PDF or help turn an AI concept and separate components into a reliable production file.
Please do not include confidential or sensitive information unless previously arranged.
