Simple and Easy Way to Prepare your Artwork for Print

Before sending your final files off to the printer, it is highly recommended to outline your text. This simple process turns your typed fonts into solid vector shapes, ensuring your design prints exactly as you intended—without any missing font errors!

Here is how to do it quickly in Adobe Illustrator:

1: Select Your Text

Use the Selection Tool (V) to click on the text you want to outline.

  • Pro Tip: If you want to select all the text on your artboard at once, simply press Ctrl + A (Windows) or Cmd + A (Mac).

2: Convert to Outlines

With your text selected, navigate to the top menu bar and click: Type > Create Outlines

  • Handy Shortcut: You can speed up your workflow by using the keyboard shortcut Shift + Ctrl + O (Windows) or Shift + Cmd + O (Mac).

3: You're Done!

Your text is now successfully converted into vector shapes, locking in your design perfectly for print production.

Important Reminder: Once you outline your text, you can no longer edit it with the typing tool. Always remember to save an editable “Working File” before outlining and saving your final “Print Ready” file!

While You Are There: Color Mode and Ink Coverage

Outlining your fonts is one part of a print-ready file. While you have it open, check two more things.

Set the document to CMYK under File > Document Color Mode > CMYK Color. Then look at your dark swatches and add up C + M + Y + K. We work to a maximum of 240% total ink coverage. A rich black mixed as C60 M40 Y40 K100 hits that limit exactly and still prints deep and solid. See our RGB vs CMYK guide for the full explanation.