Prepare print-ready images

Use this article when preparing images for high-quality printed outputs generated from Tangelo. Correct image preparation helps avoid quality loss, blurry graphics, unexpected scaling, or white borders after the printing and trimming process.

For full-page visuals such as covers, chapter dividers, and background page inserts, it is important to include bleed in the artwork. Bleed ensures that the design extends beyond the final trim edge of the page so that no white edges become visible after cutting the printed paper.

Besides bleed settings, image quality, resolution, color settings, and file format selection all influence the final print result.

Summary

After following these recommendations, images and page inserts are optimized for professional print output with correct sizing, sharpness, and bleed handling.

Recommended File Formats

PDF is generally the preferred format for print-ready visuals because it preserves vector quality, sharp text, and layout consistency.

Bleed Requirements

Why Bleed Is Important

Printed pages are trimmed after printing. Small variations during the cutting process can occur. Without bleed, this may result in visible white borders at the page edges.

To avoid this:

• Extend the background design beyond the final page size.
• Include bleed in the exported artwork.

Recommended Bleed Settings

For full-page visuals and page inserts:

• Use A4 size + 3 mm bleed.
• Do not include crop marks in the uploaded image.
• Extend background colors and visuals fully into the bleed area.

This is especially important for:

• Front covers
• Back covers
• Full-page background images
• Chapter divider pages
• Designed page inserts

Image Quality Recommendations

Print Quality

For professional print output:

• Use vector-based PDF where possible.
• Use at least 300 PPI for raster images.
• Use CMYK color output if required by the print supplier.

Web and Screen Usage

For website or screen-focused renditions:

• Lower resolutions are usually acceptable.
• Smaller file sizes improve performance.

Full-Page Backgrounds

Large background images should:

• Match the intended page dimensions.
• Include bleed.
• Be exported at sufficient quality to avoid visible compression artifacts.

Renditions in Tangelo

Base Image

The base image:

• Is always required.
• Is shown in the editor.
• Is used as the default rendition.

Optional Print Renditions

Separate renditions can optionally be uploaded for:

• PDF - print quality
• PDF - download quality
• Website renditions

Using separate renditions allows optimized output quality per channel.

Remarks

• PDF page inserts generally provide the best print quality.
• PNG or JPG files may become blurry when scaled or printed at large sizes.
• Replacing the base image automatically regenerates the iXBRL rendition.
• Always validate the final PDF output before sending files to print.
• Coordinate technical print specifications with the print supplier when required.
• Incorrect bleed settings are one of the most common causes of white borders in printed reports.