Preparing Files
Start with our Templates
• File Size
• Font and Text
• Resolution
• Color
• Compression
• Safety Zone
Start with Our Templates
When placing your next order with us, the place to begin your design project is with one of our application-specific layout templates that have been designed for all of our printed projects. Our templates are files that include predefined guidelines indicating bleed, cut-trim, and safety specifications, and are available for the most popular design softwares. If you use our templates, it will help to eliminate pre-press problems that slow down your progress.
File Size
All of your design files need to be built to the final cut-trim size, plus bleed allowance. That means your file should be 1/4” larger than the actual finished size of the project you are designing. (Example: A 4x6 postcard should be built as a 4 1/4 x 6 1/4 graphic file.) When you use our templates, there is no need for you to add any crop or printers marks as this will increase the dimension of your graphic file.
Font and Text
If you are working in a vector-based software like InDesign, Quark, or Illustrator, all text must be converted to outlines before generating the final .pdf file. If you are working out of Photoshop, simply flatten the image. We strongly suggest that you do not use any fonts smaller than 7 pt.
Resolution
We encourage all images used are at 300dpi for quality printing. Files with higher resolutions are accepted, but not necessary, as it will not improve the printed quality of your project.
Color
We require all submitted graphic design files to be saved in CMYK to ensure color accuracy. RGB files that are submitted will be converted to CMYK (it is our preference that you convert your RGB files to CMYK before submitting).
Compression
We suggest compressing your graphic design files using WinZip for the PC, and Stuffit for Macs.
Safety Zone
Please do not place any critical images or type beyond the safety zone, which is 1/8” inside the final cut-trim size of your finished project (see layout templates).
