When you attach a file on a product page, the browser reads it before checkout and shows a press proof with trim, bleed and safe-area lines. It also raises warnings. None of them stop the order; they tell you what will happen if the file goes to print as is. Here is each one.
"Size does not match the ordered size"
The file's page size is not the product size you picked (plus bleed). A 24 x 36 file ordered as 18 x 24 will be scaled, and if the proportions differ it will be cropped or letterboxed. Fix: set the document to the ordered size plus 1/8 inch bleed on each side and re-export, or change the ordered size to match the file.
"No bleed"
The artwork stops exactly at the trim line. Cutting drift can leave a white edge. Fix: extend backgrounds and photos 1/8 inch past the edge on all sides. If the design has a white background, this warning is harmless and you can ignore it.
"Low resolution"
A photo or raster image in the file is below 300 dpi at print size (or 100 dpi for banners, signs and posters). It will print soft or pixelated. Fix: use the original photo at a larger pixel size, or shrink the image on the layout. Enlarging a small image in software does not add detail.
"RGB color"
The file uses screen color. It will be converted to ink color, and vivid tones will shift duller. Fix: convert to CMYK in your design app and adjust anything that changed. If a color has to match a brand exactly, tell us in the order notes.
"Fonts not embedded"
A PDF references a font it does not carry. The press computer would substitute one and reflow your text. Fix: re-export the PDF with fonts embedded (the default in most apps), or outline the type.
"Page count"
A single-sided item got a multi-page file, or a two-sided item got one page. Fix: two-sided products want a two-page PDF (front, then back) or two separate files. Booklets want one PDF with all pages in reading order.
"CMYK vs RGB" and "safe area" reminders on the proof
The proof overlays the safe-area line 1/8 inch inside the trim. Anything crossing it is at risk of being clipped. This is a reminder, not a rejection; if a background pattern crosses the line that is fine, but text should not.
When you would rather not fix it
Every warning can be handled on our side. Basic fixes, resizing, adding bleed, RGB to CMYK and outlining fonts, are offered right on the product page when the check finds a problem, and the "Design it for me" option builds the piece from your notes with a proof emailed back for approval. See the ordering and artwork FAQ for how proofs and revisions work.
Ready to print? Browse the catalog, sign in for a live quote by size and quantity, and upload your file when you add the item to the cart. Not sure the file is right? The file check runs before checkout, and our designers can fix it or build it from your notes.