CMYK export guide

How to export a CMYK PDF from Figma

Figma does not export true CMYK PDFs by itself. Printery converts RGB artwork to CMYK, embeds ICC profiles, and adds print-ready settings like bleed, crop marks, and target DPI during PDF export.

Step-by-step CMYK PDF export

1

Select the frames you want to print

Choose the Figma frames, pages, or spreads that need to become a print-ready PDF. Use final trim dimensions before you export.

2

Open Printery in Figma

Launch Printery from the plugin menu. The export panel will read your selected frames and show print production settings.

3

Enable CMYK output

Switch the color mode to CMYK. Printery converts Figma's RGB colors during PDF export instead of relying on a generic post-export conversion.

4

Choose the ICC profile

Pick the profile your printer recommends. ISO Coated v2, FOGRA39, SWOP, GRACoL, and Japan Color are common starting points.

5

Export the final PDF

Add bleed and crop marks if the job requires trimming, set target DPI, then export the CMYK PDF for printer handoff.

Why Figma needs help for CMYK output

Figma is designed around RGB screen design. Native PDF export is useful for review files, but commercial print workflows usually need CMYK conversion, ICC profile control, bleed, crop marks, and image-resolution checks.

NeedNative Figma PDFPrintery Export
CMYK PDFNo native CMYK controlsCMYK conversion during export
ICC profileNo print profile selectionChoose and embed print profiles
Bleed and crop marksManual workaroundBuilt into export settings
DPI checksManual inspectionPreflight low-resolution images

ICC profile tips

The safest answer is always the same: ask your printer which ICC profile they want. If they do not provide one, use a standard that matches your region and paper type.

Europe / Global

ISO Coated v2, FOGRA39, or PSO Coated v3 for coated paper.

United States

SWOP or GRACoL are common depending on web or sheetfed printing.

Japan

Japan Color profiles are common for local commercial print workflows.

Common CMYK export mistakes

Converting colors with a generic formula after export instead of using an ICC profile.

Forgetting bleed and crop marks when the printed piece will be trimmed.

Using low-resolution images that look fine on screen but print blurry.

Sending a PDF before confirming the printer's required color profile.

FAQ

Does Figma support CMYK export natively?

No. Figma is RGB-first and does not provide native CMYK PDF export with ICC profile controls. Printery adds CMYK conversion during PDF export.

Can I export a true CMYK PDF from Figma?

Yes, with Printery. Select your frames, choose CMYK mode, pick an ICC profile, and export a PDF with print production settings applied.

Which ICC profile should I choose?

Ask your print shop first. If they do not specify a profile, ISO Coated v2 or FOGRA39 are common for coated paper in many regions, while SWOP or GRACoL are common in the US.

Is a simple RGB to CMYK formula enough for print?

A formula can estimate CMYK values, but it ignores paper, ink behavior, and dot gain. ICC-profile conversion is more appropriate for production PDFs.

Export your first CMYK PDF from Figma

Install Printery, choose CMYK mode, select your ICC profile, and export a printer-ready PDF without rebuilding the file elsewhere.

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