# Static: PDF & PNG/JPG

## Adobe Creative Suite

(*InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop*)

If you’re using a professional Adobe tool, we strongly recommend exporting your creative as a **Print-Ready PDF** using the correct **\[PDF/X-4:2008]** standard. 

Download design files from [Templates & Specs](https://docs.heypoplar.com/creative-design/templates-and-specs).

### File Requirements

* **File type**: PDF/X-1a:2003 or PDF/X-4:2008 (***Required***)
* **Color mode**: CMYK (*PDF/X-4 supports ICC profiles for broader color control*)
* **Resolution**: 300 PPI
* **Font embedding**: All fonts must be embedded or outlined
*  **Size limit**: Under 5MB (*per side*)
* **Trim Size + Bleed**:
  * 4" x 6" → **4.25" x 6.25"**
  * 6" x 9" → **6.25" x 9.25"**
  * 6" x 11" → **6.25" x 11.25"**

{% hint style="warning" %}
Bleed must be included in the final export; do not add white borders or crop marks. Our address block is auto-applied, so **do not include one** in the back artwork.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/ql8KXR7PPjVrtUR0sEQe" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### About PDF/X Standards

* **PDF/X-1a**: Requires flattened transparencies and CMYK-only color
* **PDF/X-4** (*Recommended*): Supports ICC color profiles and native transparency for better print quality

## Adobe InDesign Setup

1. Create a new document with **0.125” bleed** on all sides
2. File → Export → Format: Adobe PDF (Print)
3. Preset: **PDF/X-4:2008**
4. Marks & Bleeds → **✓ Use Document Bleed Settings**
5. Export

{% hint style="warning" %}
If you skip the bleed settings, your export will default to the artboard/canvas size and trigger an upload error.
{% endhint %}

## Adobe Illustrator Setup

1. Create your document with 0.125” bleed
2. File → Save As → Adobe PDF (Print)
3. Preset: **PDF/X-4:2008**
4. Bleeds → **✓ Use Document Bleed Settings**
5. Make sure **no printer marks** are checked
6. Delete (not just hide) trim/safe zone layers
7. Save PDF

<figure><img src="/files/r4m0jA9YRNk7ogJ5o5S3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Canva, Figma, or Other Tools

If you're using Canva, Figma, or another non-Adobe tool, we recommend exporting your artwork as **high-resolution PNGs** with built-in bleed.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Creative **MUST** be exported in pixels — **NOT** inches
{% endhint %}

### File Requirements

* **File type**: PNG or JPG
* **Resolution**: 300 PPI
* **Color mode**: RGB accepted, but may shift during CMYK printing
* **Bleed**: Must be added manually in the overall pixel dimensions *(see final dimensions below)*
* **Size limit**: Under 5MB
* **Front and Back creatives must be exported separately**

### Dimensions with Bleed (in Pixels) <a href="#dimensions-with-bleed-in-pixels" id="dimensions-with-bleed-in-pixels"></a>

| 4” x 6”           | 1275 × 1875 |
| ----------------- | ----------- |
| 6” x 9”           | 1875 × 2775 |
| 6” x 11”          | 1875 × 3375 |
| Bifold Short-Fold | 1725 × 5175 |
| Bifold Long-Fold  | 3375 × 2625 |
| Trifold           | 2625 × 4987 |
| 8.5” x 11” Letter | 3300 × 2550 |

### Canva Export Instructions

1. Set document dimensions using the **pixel values** above
2. Share → Download
3. File type: **PNG**
4. Download **Front** and **Back** separately

<figure><img src="/files/vJ7kxVQ0RYCLqtP4N89D" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## QR Code Best Practices

* **Minimum size**: 0.75" wide
* **Test your QR Code**: Always scan the PDF export to ensure the QR works
* **Adobe InDesign** has a built-in vector QR generator
* **All caps** in QR code content results in a **smaller QR code**

<figure><img src="/files/YTe9yfEnhT0zreYKDaEs" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## ✅ Final Checklist (All Tools)

* [ ] Includes proper **bleed and safe area**
* [ ] File is **under 5MB**
* [ ] **CMYK-compatible** color or ICC profile (Adobe)
* [ ] Fonts **outlined or embedded**
* [ ] File dimensions match one of the standard formats (see [Templates & Specs](/getting-started/campaign-setup/creative.md))
* [ ] **No crop marks** or printer marks included


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