Introduction

Artificial intelligence is streamlining how Mixam handles print projects. By automating key steps in our prepress process, we’re making high-quality printing faster and easier.

Identifying the Barrier

In professional printing, clean edges and sharp images are key. But problems with print bleed and low-resolution images can lead to delays, redesigns, and extra costs. Our prepress team frequently had to manually open files, adjust artwork, and communicate regularly with customers to provide updates. This process not only slowed production but also added friction to an otherwise smooth online experience. It became clear that change was necessary.

Solving Bleed Issues with AI

Print bleed errors are one of the most common file issues we encounter, but our new AI bleed tool automatically fixes these problems. The tool enlarges PDFs on all edges, generating the correct bleed size without affecting the original layout.

This feature is particularly beneficial for hardcover book covers, which require a wider bleed area (20mm). The AI generates content on the extended edges to match the original design. It works with all kinds of graphics—images, vectors, and complex layouts—while preserving text and vector elements in the original file.

The AI also matches the original colour profile, ensuring that the printed colours appear as intended. Traditionally, this task involved time-consuming edits using Adobe Photoshop. Our approach is automated and triggered at the click of a button by our print experts. We aim to make this tool available to customers, helping reduce the common “Your artwork is missing bleed” pop-up message from appearing on screen.

Mixam’s AI Image Enhancer: Improve Low-Resolution Images for Printing

A common issue in printing is the use of low-resolution images. Mixam’s free AI Image Enhancer addresses this issue directly by detecting images with a resolution and enhancing them to 300 DPI for clearer, detailed prints.

It extracts the image, increases its pixel density, and reinserts it in the same position. It redraws each pixel to improve clarity and preserve the original colour, creating sharper, cleaner images. It works with all file types accepted in your order and all Mixam products. The process is fully automated, and you can use it whenever needed in an order’s Artwork tab. For step-by-step instructions, visit our AI Image Enhancer support page.

Why AI in Print Matters

These tools streamline the printing process, allowing customers to print without needing advanced design skills or additional software. Lucian Puca, Mixam’s Automation and Workflow Lead, said:

"AI advancements are already transforming how the graphic arts industry works. Issues that required expensive design adjustments and days wasted are becoming a thing of the past. AI models can help with these issues in a matter of minutes. This is a clear case where AI can assist and empower, not replace! It simply removes the complicated prepress process, leaving the creative side to the humans."

Conclusion

We believe AI is not replacing the craft of printing, but supporting it. By removing common technical barriers, these tools enable self-publishers, creators, and businesses to achieve the results they expect efficiently. Download Mixam’s free Book Printing Guide to learn how to print a book, and the PrintLink Guide to start your own print-on-demand business.

Please note that we don’t use customer data to train our AI models.