Guide to preparing, submitting, and printing posters with the HP DesignJet XL 3800 via PaperCut
- Prepare your file in Photoshop, InDesign, or Illustrator using the correct poster size template (24x36 recommended).
- Export to PDF with flattened layers and embedded fonts.
- Submit through PaperCut at Our PaperCut Server.
- Release your job at the HP DesignJet XL 3800 station in the print lab.
- Collect your print once the job is complete.
- Start with Template: Use the provided 24x36 template (300 dpi, CMYK).
- Resolution: Always set resolution to 300 dpi.
- Color Mode: CMYK for more predictable print color.
- Bleeds: Add 0.25" bleed on all sides if needed.
- Flatten Layers: Before export, go to Layer → Flatten Image.
Export Settings (PDF):
- File → Save As → Format: PDF
- Preset: High Quality Print
- Check: “Preserve Photoshop Editing Capabilities” OFF
- Compression: Bicubic Downsampling to 300 dpi for images >450 dpi
- New Document Setup:
- Page Size: 24" × 36" (or desired final size)
- Bleeds: 0.25"
- Margins: 0.5" (safety zone for text/logos)
- Linked Images: Always use high-res (300 dpi) and relink missing images.
- Fonts: Use OpenType/TrueType and avoid missing fonts.
Export Settings (PDF):
- File → Export → Adobe PDF (Print)
- Preset: High Quality Print
- Marks & Bleeds: Check “Use Document Bleed Settings”
- Compression: Do not downsample below 300 dpi
- Artboard Setup:
- Artboard size: 24" × 36"
- Units: Inches
- Bleeds: Set at least 0.25" bleed
- Outline Strokes & Fonts: Convert fonts to outlines if possible (Type → Create Outlines)
- Embed Linked Files: Window → Links → Embed for external images
Export Settings (PDF):
- File → Save As → PDF
- Preset: High Quality Print
- Compression: Downsample to 300 dpi
- Embed ICC Profile: Yes (for color accuracy)
- Log into PaperCut with LinkBlue credentials.
- Choose Large Format Printing.
- Upload your flattened PDF.
- Confirm size (24x36 or custom) — jobs larger than roll width will be cropped.
- Approve estimated cost (PaperCut deducts from your balance).
- Release the job at the HP DesignJet XL 3800.
- Max Print Width: 36 inches (roll-fed)
- Print Speed: Up to 6 D-size (24x36) pages per minute (fast mode)
- Media Types: Bond paper, coated paper, photo paper (check lab availability)
- Resolution: Up to 2400 × 1200 optimized dpi
- Load media roll (already pre-loaded by staff in most cases).
- From the control panel, select Print → choose your queued job.
- Verify scaling (should be 100% — avoid “fit to page” if size is already correct).
- Confirm media type matches loaded roll.
- Tap Print.
¶ Maintenance & Best Practices
- Always use flattened PDFs (avoids rasterization errors).
- Do not use files larger than 200 MB — they may crash spooler.
- Check for proper scaling before releasing the job.
- If colors appear washed out, confirm file is in CMYK and that media is correct.
- For best results: print one small test section first.
“My print is too small/too big”
- Check document units — must be inches, not pixels or points.
- In PaperCut, ensure scaling = 100%.
“Colors don’t match my screen”
- Convert all files to CMYK before export.
- Use high-quality coated paper for color-rich designs.
“Fonts changed/missing”
- InDesign: embed fonts on export.
- Illustrator: convert fonts to outlines.
- Photoshop: rasterize type layers.
“File won’t upload to PaperCut”
- File too large: flatten images, reduce resolution to 300 dpi.
- Try saving as PDF/X-4 preset instead of High Quality Print.
Last Updated: August 2025