How to Order Prints from CatPrint for the First Time (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’ve never ordered prints before, it can feel like there are a lot of decisions to make, but once you break it down, it’s actually pretty simple. If you're wondering how to order prints from CatPrint, you're in the right place. We walk first-time customers through this process every day, and most people are surprised by how quickly it all comes together.

Here’s a super clear, step-by-step guide from file to finished print.

💭 Step 1: Start with your idea

Before anything else, just think about what you want to create.

Are you making:

• Wedding invitations

• Art prints

• Posters

• Greeting cards

• Business stationery

• Stickers

Then think about the feeling or purpose behind it:

• Is it formal or fun?

• Is it being mailed, displayed, or shared in person?

• Is it one design or a full set?

💡 This step is just about direction, not perfection. You’re simply deciding what you’re making and why.

🖥️ Step 2: Create your design file

Now that you know what you’re making, it’s time to design it. You can design in whatever tool feels easiest for you, such as:

• Canva

• Adobe Illustrator

• Adobe Photoshop

• Procreate

• Adobe InDesign

Just keep a few basics in mind:

• Start your file with at least 300 DPI

• Use CMYK color mode

• If your design goes to the edge, include bleed so nothing gets cut off

📁 Step 3: Export your file and prep for print

Once your design is ready, export it. This is your final print-ready version.

Accepted file formats:

• PDF

• JPG

• PNG

• TIFF

Quick tips:

• Choose “high quality print” settings if available

• Flatten layers

• Double-check everything (spelling, spacing, alignment)

  
  

📤 Step 4: Upload your file to CatPrint

Here’s what you’ll do:

• Go to the CatPrint ordering page

• Upload your print-ready file (PDF, JPG, PNG, or TIFF)

• Wait for it to load into your file library

Once it uploads, you’ll:

• Select your file

• Click “Add Files to Job” to attach it to your order (green button at the top!)

📏 Step 5: Choose your job type and size

Next, you’ll tell us what you’re printing and how big it should be.

You can:

• Pick a standard size option

• Or enter a custom size if you need something specific (no extra cost!)

🛠️ Step 6: Review your file setup

Now you’ll see a setup screen where you can make small adjustments before printing.

This is where you can:

• Add or remove pages

• Adjust orientation

• Select one or two-sided printing

• Set full bleed

• Confirm how your file will print

  
  

💡 Full bleed = your design prints all the way to the edge with no white border.

📄 Step 7: Select your paper

Now the fun part: choosing how your print will feel!

CatPrint offers different paper styles depending on your project:

• Smooth cardstock for clean, modern prints

• Textured or cotton papers for a soft, elevated feel

• Satin or coated finishes for different levels of shine

If you’re unsure, think about your design:

• Soft + romantic → textured or cotton

• Bold + modern → smooth satin

• Art prints → heavier, high-quality stock

  
  

This step really changes the final look, so it’s worth taking your time. Not sure what paper type you want? Request a free paper sample pack.

✨ Step 8: Finishing options (if you want them)

This is where you can add extra details to your print. Depending on your project, you may see options like:

• Corner rounding

• Folding

• Booklet Binding

  
  

💡 If you don’t need anything extra, it’s totally fine to skip this step.

✉️ Step 9: Add envelopes (for stationery orders)

If you’re printing invitations or cards, you’ll have the option to add envelopes here.

You can:

• Choose envelope size based on your print

• Add extras if needed

We organize these to match your order so everything fits correctly. Looking for printed envelopes? Learn more here.

✅ Step 10: Review your order summary

Before you check out, you’ll see a full summary of everything:

• Uploaded files

• Paper choice

• Finishing options

• Envelopes (if added)

• Quantity

• Price

🛒 Step 11: Add to cart + checkout

Once everything looks good:

• Add your job to the cart

• Review your cart

• Enter billing + shipping info

• Choose your turnaround time and delivery date

Then you’re done! You’ll receive an order confirmation email with your details.

💡 Bonus Tips for First-Time Orders

A few helpful things to know before you order:

➡️ CatPrint offers free hard copy proofs, which means you can request a physical proof of your design before committing to a full print run.

This is especially helpful if you want to:

• See color accuracy in real life

• Check paper choice before printing a full order

• Confirm layout, scale, and overall look

➡️ Foil Finishing at CatPrint is a specialty process and isn’t ordered through the standard checkout system.

To place a foil order:

• You’ll email your files and project details directly to support@catprint.com

• Our team reviews your design and helps confirm paper + foil color options

• We’ll also provide a price quote and next steps to complete your order

➡️ Sticker orders also work a little differently from standard prints. Instead of ordering online, you’ll:

• Email your sticker details (size, quantity, and paper type)

• Send your files to our team at support@catprint.com

• Receive a price quote and next steps to complete your order

Questions? Contact the experts.

If you’re ever unsure about anything, your file setup, paper choice, ordering steps, or specialty options, you don’t have to figure it out alone. If you’re wondering it, it’s worth asking. Contact our Customer Service Team at support@catprint.com or call us at 877-228-7768.

Because at the end of the day, CatPrint isn’t just about printing files. It’s about helping you turn your ideas into something real, without the stress.