How to Place a Blank Order

Updated 21.09.2026

Here at instantprint, we’re all about making online printing as easy as possible, which is why we have an online proofing tool for uploading and proofing artwork on the website before placing your order. However, some artwork files – the particularly large, multi-paged or unusually-shaped ones – need a little bit more attention from our team. 

If you aren’t given the option to upload online or your file is over 2GB, here’s what you’ll need to do next to place a blank order.

What is a Blank Order?

When you place a print order on our website without uploading artwork to our online proofing tool, this is known as a blank order.

Why Might You Need to Place a Blank Order?

Some files are more complex than others, or you might have a lot of pages that need to be set up, that our online proofing tool can’t quite handle. For these types of orders, our in-house Studio team likes to set them up manually after you’ve placed your order.
Here are some of the reasons why you might need to place a blank order:

• Your file is over 2GB
• You’re ordering a product with lots of pages like a booklet
• You’re ordering a product with lots of curves like an exhibition stand or flag
• You’re using our free design online tool and elements keep shifting when you view your proof

For any products we can’t proof online, like booklets and exhibition stands, when you add your order to the basket, you’ll get a pop-up that looks like this telling you to continue to your basket and email your artwork to us after placing your order:

How to Place a Blank Order

1.    Add to basket as usual

Just like you normally would, add the print you’d like to order to your basket. Then go to your basket without uploading any artwork and place your order.

2.    Send us your artwork

Once you've placed your order, you'll receive a web order reference number (this is in your confirmation email). Have this number ready and use our live chat assistant to send your artwork. Our assistant will guide you through the process and make sure your artwork gets linked to the correct order.

File too big?
If your artwork file is over 20MB, don't worry! Our live chat assistant can help you send larger files too. Simply start a chat, have your web order reference number to hand, and follow the instructions to upload your artwork. We’ll send a proof back for you to approve within two working hours.
 

3.    Approving for print

When we receive your artwork, a member of our team will set up a proof, showing you how it will look when printed, including where our guillotine will cut the artwork. 
 

You’ll need to triple check things like spelling, dates, names and times as that’s something we can’t do – and once you’re happy with the design, reply to the email to let us know you approve and we’ll get it to print ASAP!

Blank Orders and Our Design Online Tool

If you’re having trouble with your design online artwork proof, don’t worry! Sometimes the quickest way to get your proof sorted is for our team to set it up manually for you.

1. Save your design
   While your design is still open in “edit” mode, copy and paste the URL directly from your browser’s address bar.
   
   The URL will look a little like this: https://www.instantprint.co.uk/design/b7adbe7333c24b429cf5ce839234870
    
2. Place a blank order
   Add the print product you’d like to your basket and checkout as normal. You can place a blank order, you don’t need to upload your artwork at this stage.
    
3. Keep your order reference number
   Once your order has been placed, you’ll receive an email containing your web reference number. You’ll need this so we can link your design to your order.
    
4. Contact our Live Chat Assistant
   Head over to our Live Chat Assistant and provide:

   Your design URL
   Your order reference number

   Our team will then add this to your order and arrange for your proof to be manually set up and sent to you

Please note that we can’t confirm a delivery date until you’ve approved your artwork.

If you’d like more information on our proofing journey, the different ways of supplying artwork and how to check your proof, here’s a handy guide that’s packed with all the answers to your FAQs.