How to turn an AI design into a print-ready PDF
Your AI tool gave you a great image. Here's how to turn it into a file that prints sharp, with nothing cut off, in about ten minutes.
By OlivePrint team · Published
What you'll need
- Your AI image (the largest version you can download)
- A free OlivePrint template for your product (browse templates)
- A free or paid editor: Canva, Affinity, Photoshop, Illustrator or InDesign
Step 1 — Check the size
Drop the image into the print size checker. If it's marked "too small" for your product, upscale it first.
Step 2 — Open the template
Download the template for your exact product and orientation. It shows three lines: bleed (outer, 3 mm past the edge), trim (where it's cut) and safe area (keep text inside this).
In Canva: create a custom design at the size including bleed, or import the template PDF.
Step 3 — Place your image to the bleed edge
Stretch the background so it covers the whole bleed area. Don't distort it: crop rather than squash.
Step 4 — Add your text on top
If your AI image contains text, cover or remove it and type it again with a real font. Keep it inside the safe area. Use at least 6 pt for small print. Check every name, date, phone number, price and web address.
Step 5 — Hide the template guides
Delete or hide the template's guide layer so the lines don't print.
Step 6 — Export a print PDF
- Canva: Share → Download → PDF Print → tick "Crop marks and bleed".
- Adobe or Affinity: export PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 with 3 mm bleed. Crop marks aren't needed.
- Double-sided: front as page 1, back as page 2 in the same PDF.
Step 7 — Upload and we'll check it
Upload with your order, or choose "Upload later". A real person checks every file for free, and you approve a proof before anything is printed.
