Designing in Canva is meant to feel easy. And with Inteliprint’s free Canva-ready templates — from flyers and business cards to booklets and stickers — you can jump straight into creating polished artwork without needing a designer.
But before you hit “download”, a few small steps will make a big difference to your final print. Getting your file properly set up as print-ready ensures your colours stay crisp, your edges trim cleanly, and nothing important gets chopped off.
Here’s a straightforward guide to help you prep perfect artwork every time.
1. Start with an Inteliprint Canva Template
Using an Inteliprint template removes the guesswork from sizing, bleeds and safe zones. Our templates follow the exact specifications used in production, so you’re starting with the right foundation from the beginning.
Browse the different templates available under the ‘Templates’ tab on your product page. Click your chosen template and it will automatically download to your device.
A few benefits of starting this way:
- Your file opens at the correct finished size.
- Bleed is already included.
- Safe areas and trim zones are clearly marked.
- Layouts are matched to Inteliprint product specs.
If you need some more information on using our templates, read our guide on using Inteliprint templates.
2. Check Your Artwork Stays Within the Safe Zones
Anything close to the edge can be trimmed off during production — even a few millimetres matter. Make sure text, logos and important design elements sit within the safe area.
A handy example:
If you’re designing a DL flyer for a café menu, keep your item prices and phone number comfortably inside the safe zone. Canva’s alignment tools help keep everything neat.
For a quick refresher, check out our artwork guidelines here.
3. Add Bleed (If You’re Not Using a Template)
Bleed ensures your colour or background extends past the trim line, giving you clean edges without white slivers.
If you’re using an Inteliprint template, bleed will be clearly marked, however if you’re creating a design from scratch in Canva:
- Go to File → View Settings
- Tick Show Print Bleed
- Extend backgrounds and images to the outer edge of the bleed
Typical bleed for most Inteliprint products is 3mm. It’s small — but essential.
4. Download Using the Correct Print Format
Once your design is final, it’s time to download it properly.
In Canva, use:
File → Download → PDF Print
This is the only format that exports at high resolution suitable for professional printing. It ensures:
- Sharp text
- Crisp images
- Accurate colours
- No compression that can cause fuzziness or pixelation
If you select PDF Standard, the end product for your print project will be less than ideal as it’s designed for digital viewing only.
For more details, check out our instructions on preparing canva files for print.
5. Tick “Crop Marks and Bleed”
When you choose PDF Print, Canva shows a few extra options.
Make sure to tick:
- Crop marks and bleed
- Flatten PDF (if available - if the option isn’t shown, Canva often flattens it automatically when using PDF Print)
Crop marks tell our presses where to trim. Bleed ensures your artwork extends past those trim marks. Without both, your file may be delayed, require manual fixes, or risk imperfect edges.
6. Flatten Your PDF to Avoid Hidden Issues
Canva can export PDFs with layered elements — sometimes causing issues with transparency, drop shadows, or unusual font behaviour. Flattening minimises these risks.
When downloading:
- Tick Flatten PDF (if available)
- If the option isn’t shown, Canva often flattens it automatically when using PDF Print
This step avoids surprises like semi-transparent elements printing differently from what you saw on screen.
7. Give Your File a Final Check Before Uploading
A quick PDF preview takes less than a minute and can save headaches.
Look for:
- Text sitting too close to the edge
- Images not extending to bleed
- Low-resolution images (pixelation)
- Spelling errors (it happens to all of us!)
When you’re happy with everything, complete the order form on the Inteliprint product web page, including uploading your artwork.
Not sure whether you picked the right format? Our team is always happy to check your file. Just send it through to us at sales@inteliprint.com.au.
Example: A Flyer Set Up Correctly
Let’s look at a common scenario — ordering A5 flyers for an event.
Your Canva file should export as:
- Size: A5 plus 3mm bleed
- Format: PDF Print
- Options: Crop marks, bleed, flattened
- Safe area: All text and logos comfortably inside the margin
- Images: High-resolution photos that aren’t stretched
This will print cleanly with sharp edges and colours that pop.
A Smooth Process from Canva to Print
Preparing print-ready artwork in Canva doesn’t need to be technical. With Inteliprint templates and these simple settings, you’ll get professional, predictable results every time.
Ready to design?
Browse templates, product guides and artwork resources here:
👉 Design in Canva and print easily with Inteliprint today. Talk to our team if you need help.
