Linden Print - Print Like a Pro from Canva

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Print Like a Pro from Canva

Step-by-Step Export Guide for Linden Print

Canva is fantastic for designing quick, eye-catching marketing materials, but because it is built primarily for screens, its default settings can sometimes catch first-time users out. If files aren't exported with the correct dimensions, bleed, and color settings, text can get chopped off during trimming or colors can print dull.Follow this straightforward guide to prepare and export a print-ready PDF from Canva that will look sharp on our digital presses at Linden Print.

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1. Standard South African Print Sizes & Dimensions

Before you design, make sure your Canva canvas is set to the correct dimensions.
Pro tip: Always design with your bleed included from the start so you don't have to resize later!

STANDARD BUSINESS CARDS
- Trim Size (Final Card): 90 x 50 mm
- Canvas Size with Bleed: 96 x 56 mm
POSTCARDS / A6:
- Trim Size: 105 x 148 mm
- Canvas Size with Bleed: 111 x 154 mm
STANDARD 'A' PAPERS:
- A5: Trim: 148 x 210 mm | Canvas with Bleed: 154 x 216 mm
- A4: Trim: 210 x 297 mm | Canvas with Bleed: 216 x 303 mm
- A3: Trim: 297 x 420 mm | Canvas with Bleed: 303 x 426 mm
SRA3 (DIGITAL PRESS STANDARD):
- Sheet Size: 320 x 450 mm
  (Ideal for multi-up layouts and custom large-format digital jobs).

2. Setting Up Your Canva Document Correctly

- CREATE A CUSTOM SIZE: On your Canva home page, click Create a design > Custom size. Enter your dimensions in millimeters (mm) including the 3mm bleed on all sides (e.g., 96 x 56 mm for a business card).
- TURN ON PRINT GUIDES: Go to the top menu, select File > Settings > Check Show bleed. A dotted border will appear around your canvas.
- LAYOUT GOLDEN RULES:
  1. The Bleed Zone (Outside the dotted line): Extend any background colors, patterns, or photos all the way to the outer edge of the canvas. Never leave white gaps at the edge.
  2. The Safe Zone (Inside the dotted line): Keep all important text, logos, and critical design elements at least 4mm to 5mm inside the trim edge so nothing accidentally gets clipped off.

3. How to Export a Print-Ready PDF from Canva

When your design is complete, follow these exact steps to generate a professional press-ready file:

1. 1. Click the SHARE button in the top right corner of the Canva editor.
  2. Click DOWNLOAD.
  3. Under FILE TYPE, open the dropdown and select PDF Print (this is the highest quality setting for printing).
  4. COLOUR PROFILE: If you are using Canva Pro, select CMYK (best for professional printing).
    (Note: If you are on the free plan, sRGB is fine—our workflow will handle the conversion, but keep in mind that ultra-bright neon screen colors may shift slightly).
  5. CROP MARKS & BLEED: Check the box for "Crop marks and bleed".
    This adds essential cutting guides for our finishing operators.
  6. Click the DOWNLOAD button to save the PDF to your computer.
  7. Click the UPLOAD TO LINDEN PRINT button to send your file for printing.