How to create a piece for print using Canva or Adobe Express

Before getting started…

Print vs. digital – what’s the difference? 

• Digital files are set up as RGB (Red Green Blue) and print files are set up as CMYK (Cyan Magenta Yellow Black) so that they display with the correct colors.
• If you print without changing to CMYK, the colors will not match what is on your computer screen. This is OK, but something to keep in mind if you see that the colors have shifted on a printed piece vs. your computer design. 
• Margins are very important for print. If you place text or images too close to the margins, they will be cut off or lost in the fold of a booklet.

What are standard paper sizes at the Augustana Copy Center?

• 8.5" x 11"
• 11" x 17"
• Large format machine sizes for posters like 24" x 36", 22" x 28"
• Outside print vendors have additional standard paper sizes available.

What are standard margin sizes? 

• ¼ inch minimum, ideally ⅜ inch 
• Don’t get too close to the margin or it will not print correctly.

How do I set up a piece? Is this a booklet or a single-page document? 

• Double-sided pieces should be centered on both sides so that they line up correctly. 
• Booklets should be set up in multiples of four (i.e. 4 pages, 8, 12, 16, etc.), and sent to the Copy Center as single-page files. 

NOTE: The Augustana College Copy Center only accepts PDF files. The Copy Center cannot print with bleed (which means any ink running past the edges of the page, or when there is no white space around a page), so do not add crop marks or bleed.

Set up a print-ready file using Canva

1. Log into Canva.com and click the “Create” button on the left sidebar.
2. Choose one of the existing templates or choose “custom size.”
3. Create your design, keeping in mind that any elements that need to “bleed” off of the page should go past the edge of the page.
4. When uploading photos, make sure they are high resolution – at least 300 dpi at full size. 
5. Once your design is complete, click the “Share” button on the toolbar across the top of the page, and choose “Download.”
6. Click the drop-down menu, and select “PDF.” 
7. Below that, toggle the “Print” button on the “Digital | Print” preset box. Pro users, continue to step 8. Free Canva account users, continue to step 9.
8. For Pro users only: Select the drop-down under “Color profile” and click on “CMYK.” 
9. Then, open up the drop-down menu labeled “Advanced Settings” by clicking the arrow to the right of it. 
10. Check the box labeled “Crop marks and bleed” and the box labeled “Flatten PDF.”
    • Do not include crop marks and bleed if sending to the Augustana Copy Center. 
11. Click the “Download” button at the bottom of the pop-up box to download your PDF. 
12. Check your downloaded PDF to make sure that you have all elements you need. If not, try again.

Set up a print-ready file using Adobe Express

1. Log into express.adobe.com. 
2. Start a design by clicking “Start new design” or choosing one of the “Quick edits” or “Templates” shown below that. 
3. Create your design, keeping in mind that any elements that need to “bleed” off of the page should go past the edge of the page.
4. When uploading photos, make sure they are high resolution – at least 300 dpi at full size.
5. Once your design is complete, click the “Share” button on the toolbar across the top of the page, and choose “Download.”
6. In the “File format” drop down, click “PDF Print (Best for printing).” 
7. Next, toggle “Add crop marks” and “Show bleed.” Premium users, continue to step 8. Free account users, continue to step 9.
   • Do not include crop marks and bleed if sending to the Augustana Copy Center. 
8. For premium users only: Under the “Color mode” drop down, click “CMYK.” 
9. Click the “Download” button at the bottom of the pop-up box to download your PDF. 
10. Check your downloaded PDF to make sure that you have all elements you need. If not, try again.