We have prepared the following guide to assist you with your artwork preparation. If you have a specific problem that is not covered in this guide, or have other questions, please feel free to contact us. Artwork that is not prepared properly can lead to issues in production.
Quick Checklist
►All fonts are included
►Type is legible and crisp.
►Page layout is correct.
►Margins are set.
►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 there is no white space or border 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. This will prevent issues in trimming.
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 marked color shift when converted to four color process.
To achieve the desired color on press, digital files must reflect accurate color models and percentage. Please make sure all colors are in CMYK mode for color accuracy and a better quality output.
Image Resolutions
►All images and pictures should be 300 dpi.
►Rasterized text or logos should be 1200 dpi.
►Screen values should be between 133 lpi and 150 lpi.
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 actual size for quality offset reproduction.
►Files should be saved in PDF format (embed all fonts and set the screen value to 133 lpi.)
Canva
►When designing in Canva or any other software, leave a 1/4" border as a Safe Print Area.
►The important parts of your design (text, photos) should stay within that Safe Print Area to avoid potentially being cut off in trimming
►When your design is perfect, go to export (download), click on "Flatten" and then exports as a as a PDF for Print. Take note of where it saves on your computer.
►Upload the pdf to this site, drag it to resize it (click on the corner and move it around). Once it is in the right place on the template below, save it and order your amazing creation!
Digital Proofs
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 final size.
