When to Download a PDF file in Templett?

At Claudia Owen, we use Templett as our preferred editing application for digital templates. Templett is a user-friendly, web-based design platform that enables users to edit and customize pre-made templates for various occasions, such as weddings, birthdays, and business events. It is accessible through a computer or phone, making it easy to use.

After completing the editing process, users can download the file in three formats: PDF, JPEG, or PNG.

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of downloading a PDF file, which is an ideal option for those who plan to print their file at home or any office supply chain or copy and print center. 

Templett PDFs provide superior quality vector files, ensuring that the text and other vector objects remain sharp. 

You have three options that you can use when downloading as a PDF file:

1. You will have the option to “save paper”

Templett offers a "save paper" option that maximizes the number of designs on each page, allowing you to minimize your paper usage. This means you can fit two 5" x 7" invitations or four 3.5" x 5" insert cards onto a single sheet of paper, resulting in significant cost savings on paper.

2. You will have the option to add trim marks

In Templett, you can choose to add trim marks to your design before downloading it as a PDF. Trim marks are small lines or marks that are printed in the corners of your design to indicate where the paper should be cut. These marks are especially helpful if you are printing your design at home or at a print shop and want to make sure that your final product looks polished and professional.

Trim marks look something like this:

The trim marks are usually printed just outside the design area, and they indicate exactly where the design should be cut to achieve the desired size. By using trim marks, you can ensure that your designs are perfectly aligned and that all elements of the design are properly positioned on the page.

If you are not familiar with using trim marks, don't worry! It's a simple process that can help you achieve great results. With the help of a ruler and a sharp cutting tool, you can easily cut along the trim marks to achieve clean, straight edges. In addition, if you are unsure how to cut your design using trim marks, there are many tutorials and videos available online that can help you get started.

Here is a very simple (and short) video example showing you how to cut your artwork using trim marks:

It's worth noting that some print shops may require trim marks in order to properly print your design. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check with your print shop or service provider beforehand to ensure that your design is ready to print and that you are meeting their requirements. 

3. You will also have the option to add a bleed

In order to achieve a professional and polished look for your printed designs, it's essential to understand the importance of the bleed area. The bleed area refers to an extra 1/8" added all around the design, which ensures that the design will print all the way to the edge of the page without leaving any unsightly white borders.

When printing your design, most print shops use a larger sheet of paper and then cut out the individual designs from the sheet. This process is known as "bleed printing". It's important to keep in mind that there is always a margin of error when cutting, which can result in small shifts in the design.

This is where the bleed area comes in handy. By providing a little extra space around the design, the printer can cut the design with a small amount of shift and still achieve a perfect-looking finished result. Without a bleed, even a small shift can cause white slivers to appear around the edges of the design, which can be unsightly and compromise the quality of your printed materials.

So, if you want your printed designs to look their best, always make sure to include a bleed area in your files. This small detail can make a big difference in the overall quality of your printed materials.

The following video will tell you more about bleed and when to use it: 

The following video will take through the process of downloading your file using Templett and explain a little more about each option: