Get a Word document print ready
When preparing a Word document for print, there are a few important steps to follow. Below is our simple step-by-step guide to help ensure your document is print-ready.
1. Set the correct paper size
Make sure your document is set to the correct UK paper size. To view available UK paper sizes, click the button below. To change the page size in Word, go to Layout, select Size, then choose More Paper Sizes. From here, you can enter the exact dimensions of your chosen paper.
2. Set up your margins
To adjust margins in Word, go to Layout, then Margins. If your design includes images or backgrounds that need to bleed to the edge of the page with no white borders, we recommend selecting Custom Margins. Enter your margin size — we suggest a minimum margin of 0.6cm from the edge of the page.
If your document needs binding or hole punching, increase the margin on the bound edge to 1.5cm. Please note that for double-sided printing, the binding margin will be on the left for odd-numbered pages and on the right for even-numbered pages.
Once your margins are set, ensure all text, graphics, and images stay within these margins to avoid anything being trimmed during finishing. If your document contains multiple pages, make sure the PDF is supplied in the correct order. To add a new page in Word, go to Insert and select Blank Page.
3. Add your design and check colours
After confirming your paper size and margins are correct, you can add your design. Be sure to convert any corporate colours from RGB to CMYK. If RGB colours are supplied, they will be converted automatically during printing; however, we cannot guarantee an exact match to your corporate CMYK values.
To convert colours from RGB to CMYK, right-click the coloured element, select Fill, then choose More Colours. In the window that appears, change the colour mode from RGB to CMYK and enter your CMYK values.
Once you’re happy with your design, save your Word document as a PDF. To do this, go to File, select Save As, click Browse, and choose PDF from the “Save as type” drop-down menu. Click Save, and your PDF will be ready for print.
Our team are here if you need more help.