Artwork Technical Checks
Getting your artwork print-ready should be simple and stress-free. Our technical check service takes the guesswork out of file preparation by scanning your artwork for issues*, saving you time and preventing unexpected delays. Compare our file check options below to find the best fit for your project.
Our two tiers of technical checks act as your pre-press safety net, minimising the risk of errors or rejections. It’s just our way of making sure the final product looks exactly as great as you intended.
*Artwork Technical Checks are not a proofing service. (See below for more information)
If our technical check detects any issues with your file, your artwork will be rejected for you to fix and resubmit. Please note that these corrections will delay your delivery past the original date stated at checkout.
Please note: Our checks cover technical file setup only. We do not proofread for spelling and grammar, or review design layout and positioning. Ensuring the creative and textual accuracy of your artwork is entirely your responsibility.
To prevent production delays or artwork rejections, we highly recommend reviewing our support guides before uploading files.
Want to ace your technical check? Review our support guides first to make sure your PDFs, colour and layouts are perfectly set up and ready to pass without any delays.
Need some guidance? We're here to help. Explore our FAQs to find answers to common questions about our artwork technical check service.
See why thousands of creators trust our technical check service to get their print files perfect every single time.
What is the main difference between the Essential and Expert checks?
The Essential Check is a fully automated, 23-point system scan that looks for basic file errors. The Expert Check upgrades you to a manual, 41-point inspection where our pre-press technicians personally review your files. They look out for advanced issues that software can miss, such as font legibility, binding tolerances, image sharpness, and alignment across book spreads.
How much does the Expert Technical Check cost?
Our Expert Check is priced at £2.50, £5.00, or £10.00 per item depending on the complexity of the product, and is applied per individual file. For example, if your order includes four different design variations of an item, it will count as four separate checks. You can easily cover these costs using the Print Perk Points credited from your monthly Rewards tier, with each point worth £2.50.
Do artwork checks include proofreading and design reviews?
No, our service is strictly a technical check to ensure your file is structurally ready for the printing press (checking things like bleed, resolution, and color modes). We do not proofread.
It helps to understand that design elements and technical elements are two completely distinct aspects of your file. Our checks only cover the technical setup, meaning the visual appearance and creative intent of your artwork are entirely your responsibility.
The following design elements are NOT checked as part of our service:
What happens if I upload my files in RGB instead of CMYK?
Our automated system will automatically convert RGB and spot colours to CMYK so they can be printed. The only exceptions are Mugs, Coasters, and Mouse Mats. Because shifting from RGB to CMYK can alter how your colours look, we highly recommend converting your files to CMYK yourself before uploading.
If you have specified finishes like Cut to Shape, Foiling, Spot UV, or White ink, we require those spot colours to remain intact. They will not be converted to CMYK.
What happens if my artwork fails the technical check?
If we find an error that will ruin your print, your order will be paused, and your artwork will be rejected so you can fix it.
Will a failed artwork check affect my delivery date?
Yes. If your artwork is rejected, the time it takes for you to correct and resubmit the files will delay your final delivery past the original date stated at checkout.
How can I make sure my files pass the check on the first try?
To avoid delays or artwork rejections, we strongly recommend reviewing our support guides and the specific artwork templates found on our product pages before you upload your files.
As standard, every item in your order undergoes a FREE, automated, 23-point Essential Artwork Technical Check. These checks cover all the essential technical aspects of your artwork file:
* With the exception of Mugs, Coasters and Mouse Mat products, all identified RGB and spot colours in your supplied artwork WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY CONVERTED TO CMYK. To avoid any colour issues, ensure that you supply your files already converted to CMYK.
If you have specified the following print finishes: Cut to shape, foiling, spot UV or selected white we do require spot colours for these areas and they will not be converted to CMYK.
For your complete peace of mind, each item in your order can be upgraded (for a small fee) to our in-depth 41-point Expert Artwork Technical Check. This check includes everything in our Essential Check plus your files are personally and carefully inspected by our prepress technicians for the following:
Depending on the complexity of the product you are ordering, our Expert Checks are split into three cost tiers: £2.50, £5.00, or £10.00 per item. If your order includes multiple versions of an item (for example, 4 different design variations), the check is applied to each separate file as 4 individual checks.
You can easily cover these costs using the Print Perk Points credited through your monthly Rewards tier, with each point worth £2.50.
