Understand Preview and PDF usage
Know which actions count, how exact reuse works and when monthly PDF allowances reset.
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Before you start
Use Preview PDF to inspect a design before creating final output. Preview, monthly final PDF allowance and image-upload capacity are different resources. This guide explains what counts so you can choose the appropriate action.
See Plans and limits for current allowances and access.
Preview checks design with sample products
Preview PDF in the editor uses sample products. It is useful for design, page structure and card styling; it is not a final proof of your current collection’s product information. Preview does not consume the monthly final-render allowance.
Successful new final renders count
A successfully newly rendered collection catalog uses one catalog PDF. Each successfully newly rendered product sheet uses one product PDF, including sheets packaged into a ZIP. Failed renders do not consume a successful final render.
Available exact reuse is different from regeneration
An available, unchanged PDF can be reused without a new render. A History download retrieves an available file and does not count again. If the source, template or other render inputs changed, a fresh render can be required.
After a file expires, Print again requests the current source and template state. A newly rendered file counts even when you think of it as a reprint. Do not rely on expired History entries as permanent downloads.
Monthly reset and limits
PDF allowances reset on the first day of each UTC calendar month. This is separate from Shopify’s billing-cycle dates. If an allowance is reached, wait for the reset or choose a suitable plan through Billing. There are no PDF top-up packs or automatic overage charges.
Image storage does not reset with the PDF allowance. See Plans and limits.
Expected result
Open Billing to review current monthly usage and reset information, then choose the appropriate task. Use Preview for sample design checks, History Download for an available file and a new print only when you need new output.