We have prepared the following guide to assist you with your electronic file preparation and submission. If you have a specific problem that is not covered in this guide or have other questions, please feel free to contact us. Improperly prepared files can cause delays in manufacturing plus additional costs.
Quick Checklist
All fonts are included.
- The type is legible and crisp.
- The page layout is correct.
- Margins are set.
- The artwork matches the specified dimensions.
- All linked files, images, and fonts are placed in separate folders.
- Colors in CMYK mode.
Bleeds
A 1/8" border must be added to pictures and designs bleeding to the edge so that no white space or border is showing around the artwork. It is also important to keep text at least a 1/4" away from the paper edge or the trim line to prevent accidental cropping.
Color Specifications
Print previews are not a safe and sure measuring tool for color accuracy. Colors on the file might be affected by monitor calibration, screen resolution, and lighting, just to name a few. Many Pantone colors show a color shift when converted to a four-color process.
For one, two, or three color jobs printed in Pantone spot color, make sure your colors are specified as spot color and they separate correctly. You can test this by printing separations on your laser printer.
To achieve the desired color on the press, digital files must reflect accurate color models and percentages. Please make sure all colors are in CMYK mode for color accuracy and better-quality output.
Image Resolution
- All images and pictures should be 300 dpi.
- Rasterized text or logos should be 1200 dpi.
- Screen values should be between 133 dpi and 150 dpi.
Guidelines by Application
The following outlines the specific file requirements by application. If you have any questions, please contact our graphics department.
Adobe Photoshop
- Files should be 300 dpi at 100% of the actual size for quality offset reproduction.
- Files should be saved in PDF format (embed all fonts and set the screen value to 133 dpi.)
Digital Proofs
We provide PDF files as electronic soft proofs. These digital proofs intend to show you the layout and design elements of your job, but cannot be a guarantee of color accuracy. If color accuracy is of extreme importance to you, please ask for a hard copy proof. Scan all transparencies and line art at 100% of final size unless data size is prohibitive. If such a case occurs, scan at 1/4 or 1/2 of the final size. Scan all transparencies and line art at 100% of final size unless data size is prohibitive. If such a case occurs, scan at 1/4 or 1/2 of the final size.