FILE GUIDE
How to prepare files for Axel Print — and what happens when you upload on a product page.
File Formats
Recommended for print-ready layouts, vector text, and multi-page jobs where the product allows it. Full preview and preflight in the artwork editor.
JPG
Photos and raster designs. Aim for about 300 DPI at final print size. Full preview and placement controls. (JPEG is the same format.)
PNG
Raster art with transparency. Same DPI guidance as JPG. Full preview and placement controls.
TIFF
High-quality raster (.tif / .tiff). Same editor experience as JPG and PNG. Aim for about 300 DPI at final print size.
From Illustrator or Photoshop?
Export as PDF for the best results. Native .ai, .eps, and .psd files are not supported in the online artwork editor.
Design Guidelines
Bleed Area
Bleed requirements depend on the product. Extend color and backgrounds past the trim line (often about 0.125" per edge). Use the on-page preview to confirm coverage — Fill page helps.
Check bleed in the upload preview
Safe Area
Keep important text and logos inside the safe margin shown in the preview. Exact margins vary by product and size.
Stay inside the green dashed line
Resolution
About 300 DPI at final print size for JPG, PNG, and TIFF. PDFs with embedded images should meet the same bar at print size.
Higher resolution prints sharper
Color Mode
CMYK is preferred for the most accurate print results. RGB uploads are converted for production. Avoid password-protected PDFs.
RGB is converted to CMYK
Upload & Preflight
Choose product options
Pick size, quantity, and turnaround (Standard, Rush, or Urgent when offered). Select a size first to see trim, bleed, and safe-area rules for that product.
Upload artwork
PDF, JPG, PNG, or TIFF up to 100 MB. Each file opens in the artwork editor with a live preview.
Adjust in the preview
Drag to move, scroll to zoom, and use sliders for rotation. Fill page and Fit whole image help fix bleed and sizing issues.
Review warnings
Bleed, safe area, and resolution checks run instantly in your browser. Fix issues in the editor or upload a revised file.
Confirm & checkout
Complete the final review step, then add to cart. Optional Add Online Proof lets you approve a digital proof before we print.
Multiple sets
Need several versions with the same options? Use Number of sets on the product page (up to 25) and upload one file per set.
File Size Limits
Upload Restrictions
- Maximum File Size100 MB per file
- Supported FormatsPDF, JPG, PNG, TIFF
- Multiple FilesUp to 25 sets per line item (same configuration)
- File CheckInstant in-browser preflight when you upload
Common Issues
- •Background doesn't reach the bleed edge
- •Text or logos too close to the trim line
- •Image resolution too low for the print size
- •Wrong number of PDF pages for the product
- •Password-protected or unreadable PDF
Turnaround Times
Standard
Varies by product
Default production time, shown in business days on each product page (often about 5 days).
Rush
Faster production
Additional fee applies. Availability and exact days are shown on the product page.
Urgent
Fastest option
When offered, the quickest turnaround with an additional fee. Not available for all quantities.
Production time is separate from shipping. Delivery estimates appear at checkout based on your address and selected service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upload a PowerPoint or Word file?
No. Export your design to PDF before uploading. That keeps layout and fonts consistent with what we print.
Can I upload Illustrator, Photoshop, or EPS files?
Not directly. Export to PDF for the best results in the artwork editor. For flat raster art only, JPG, PNG, or TIFF also work.
What if my file is larger than 100 MB?
Compress your file or re-export at a lower resolution where quality allows. Contact us if you still can't get under the limit.
Can I change my file after ordering?
Before checkout, re-upload on the product page. After your order is placed, use the online proof approval or revision flow if you added a proof, or contact support. Once production starts, changes may not be possible.
How do I know if my file is print-ready?
Use the on-page preflight: fix bleed, safe area, and resolution warnings in the editor, then complete the final review step before adding to cart.
What's the difference between vector and raster?
Use PDF for vector logos and type. Use JPG, PNG, or TIFF for photo-based art at about 300 DPI at final print size.
What is the online proof option?
An optional add-on at checkout. We send a digital proof for your approval before printing. Without it, we print your submitted file and move straight to production.
How do I order multiple different designs?
On the product page, increase Number of sets (up to 25) and upload one file per set. Each set uses the same product options.