If you have your file ready to go, the following are guidelines we recommend when preparing your files for submission.
For any questions or concerns just call or e-mail us.
• PDF conversion - You may want to read this article to better understand the pitfalls of PDF document creation.
* If you have Adobe Acrobat Professional 6.0 or later, see this guide for a thorough explanation of creating a PDF.
* If you don't have Acrobat, then go here to convert your file online.
• Resolution - Images / Pictures should be at least 300 dpi at the actual size when placed in your document. The larger the file size the better (usually images should be at least 100k in file size). Web graphics are generally too low of resolution for printing on paper. They look fine on the screen but when printed they appear fuzzy (pixellated).
• Fonts - should be provided to us with your document or converted to curves or outlines if possible. *Some designers prefer not converting fonts to outlines because it causes slight variance in the appearence of type, if you choose not to convert your type, you must provide us with Windows versions of your fonts unless they are standard fonts.
• Bleed - If you want any part or all of your artwork to extend to the edge of the paper, then you want it to "bleed" off the edge. Make sure you provide us with an oversize file that has the artwork extending at least 1/8" beyond the paper border on each side that has a bleed. We will print it oversize and then cut it down to the finished size, cutting off the extended artwork beyond the border. **This does not apply to banners. Banner artwork should be provided EXACT size with consideration for pole pockets or grommets within 1.5" of the outer edges.
• CMYK - Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black make up the four ink / toner colors of Four Color Process Printing. This is how we print on paper either on a press or production digital color printer.
• RGB - Red, Green and Blue, however is for displaying on computer monitors and projector screens. Files with RGB color formats will not look the same on paper as they do on the monitor (they should be close however and if you are concerned about color, mention it when you get your proof).
Adobe Acrobat sometimes translates your black type into an RGB black value which is not correct for printing black type on paper. We need the black value on CMYK mode to be K100 when we print, in order for the black to look sharp on paper. However, if you have a large black background or large black heavy fonts (like 50 point or larger) then that should be changed into what's called "rich black" C60 M40 Y40 K100 (ask us about this if you think this applies to your file).
• Always make sure you provide us with a printed color sample and pay careful attention to our proof to reduce the possibility for error.
These guidelines will likely speed up your turnaround time and prevent extra artwork charges.
Preferred File Formats
.pdf (Acrobat), .psd (Photoshop), .ai (Illustrator), .idd (In Design)
For any questions or concerns just call or e-mail us.
• PDF conversion - You may want to read this article to better understand the pitfalls of PDF document creation.
* If you have Adobe Acrobat Professional 6.0 or later, see this guide for a thorough explanation of creating a PDF.
* If you don't have Acrobat, then go here to convert your file online.
• Resolution - Images / Pictures should be at least 300 dpi at the actual size when placed in your document. The larger the file size the better (usually images should be at least 100k in file size). Web graphics are generally too low of resolution for printing on paper. They look fine on the screen but when printed they appear fuzzy (pixellated).
• Fonts - should be provided to us with your document or converted to curves or outlines if possible. *Some designers prefer not converting fonts to outlines because it causes slight variance in the appearence of type, if you choose not to convert your type, you must provide us with Windows versions of your fonts unless they are standard fonts.
• Bleed - If you want any part or all of your artwork to extend to the edge of the paper, then you want it to "bleed" off the edge. Make sure you provide us with an oversize file that has the artwork extending at least 1/8" beyond the paper border on each side that has a bleed. We will print it oversize and then cut it down to the finished size, cutting off the extended artwork beyond the border. **This does not apply to banners. Banner artwork should be provided EXACT size with consideration for pole pockets or grommets within 1.5" of the outer edges.
• CMYK - Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black make up the four ink / toner colors of Four Color Process Printing. This is how we print on paper either on a press or production digital color printer.
• RGB - Red, Green and Blue, however is for displaying on computer monitors and projector screens. Files with RGB color formats will not look the same on paper as they do on the monitor (they should be close however and if you are concerned about color, mention it when you get your proof).
Adobe Acrobat sometimes translates your black type into an RGB black value which is not correct for printing black type on paper. We need the black value on CMYK mode to be K100 when we print, in order for the black to look sharp on paper. However, if you have a large black background or large black heavy fonts (like 50 point or larger) then that should be changed into what's called "rich black" C60 M40 Y40 K100 (ask us about this if you think this applies to your file).
• Always make sure you provide us with a printed color sample and pay careful attention to our proof to reduce the possibility for error.
These guidelines will likely speed up your turnaround time and prevent extra artwork charges.
Preferred File Formats
.pdf (Acrobat), .psd (Photoshop), .ai (Illustrator), .idd (In Design)
