Sending the right files is often overlooked by many. We have narrowed it down to 9 easy steps to help you and your clients send print ready files to us.
One of the fastest ways to get your printed piece in faster, is to send the files already ready to print.
Do you often wonder what file you need to submit to make printing process much faster?
Here are the 9 most effective ways to setup your artwork.
1. Make sure your formats are accepted.
· Sending a PDF?
Make sure all layers are flattened.
Use 1/8” bleed on all sides.
Please convert all fonts into outlines. Sometimes we need to open the file and it asks us for fonts. So to avoid that, we ask to have them in outlines.
Images should be embedded and NOT linked.
Please have crop marks.
· Sending an .EPS or .Ai file?
Make sure all layers are flattened.
Use 1/8” bleed on all sides.
Please convert all fonts into outlines. Sometimes we need to open the file and it asks us for fonts. So to avoid that, we ask to have them in outlines.
Images should be embedded and NOT linked.
· Sending a .TIFF File?
All images need to be embedded in CMYK mode (which is the printing mode).
Save all images in a high resolution. We recommend 300 dpi.
Add some space to your final artwork to have a bleed of 1/8” all around (we can add the crop marks for you).
· Sending a .JPG or .JPEG file?
All files sent to us in .jpg or .jpeg must be saved in CMYK mode.
Please try to save the jpg or jpeg to final size.
Add some space to your final artwork to have a bleed of 1/8” all around (we can add the crop marks for you).
Save all images in a high resolution. We recommend 300 dpi.
· Sending a .PSD file?
All images need to be embedded in CMYK mode (which is the printing mode).
Save all images in a high resolution. We recommend 300 dpi.
Add some space to your final artwork to have a bleed of 1/8” all around (we can add the crop marks for you).
Please convert all fonts into outlines. Sometimes we need to open the file and it asks us for fonts. So to avoid that, we ask to have them in outlines.
· Do you have a Word, Publisher or Power Point document?
Please save your files as a PDF (see above for more specifications) to avoid problems on your order.
2. What file resolution is recommended?
Save all images in a high resolution. We recommend 300 dpi.
3. What color format do you accept?
We accept CMYK color format. Please DO NOT send RGB, your file’s colors will change.
If Pantone matching is required, please advice which color is needed. Some products are not available with pantone colors, please be advised when asking to print in PMS.
4. How much bleed does each document need?
Each document should have a 1/8 inch "extra artwork" around your entire document. This will enlarge the document size you submit by .25 inch (1/8 on each side) and will be cut off after printing.
5. Images and Text
Please keep all text and important images (images that do not bleed) an additional 1/4 inch inside the final cut line. This will ensure your image and text will be centered on your piece and much more pleasing to the eye.
6. What do I do if my artwork has borders?
Due to the speed of our cutters and our gang style lay-out, we advise not using borders in your artwork. Borders can make even the straightest cuts look crooked.
7. How do I get a rich black build?
Due to the nature of 4 color process a Rich Black Build will print better than just 100% black. Please set your CMYK build as follows:
C: 60%
M: 40%
Y: 40%
K: 100%
8. Can you print Spot / Pantone Colors?
Our standard is to print CYMK colors. When printing at full color, all files will be converted to CYMK automatically (please note the color will shift if colors are not saved in CMYK).
To use Pantone (PMS) colors, we must assure that the product is able to withstand our PMS color inks. Once the product allows us to print in PMS and you request PMS on your print job, an additional fee to use our PMS inks and machines will be added to the total invoice.
9. How should I submit my multi-page Booklet to you?
PDF (see above for the specs)
When you have a multi-page booklet, you would need to send us the file in pages, not spreads all in one PDF.