Artwork Guidelines
We have prepared the following guide to assist you with your electronic file preparation and submission. Please get in touch with us if you have a specific problem not covered in this guide or have other questions. Improperly prepared files can cause delays in manufacturing.
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 in separate folders.
► Colors in CMYK mode.
Bleeds
A 1/8"(0.125") border must be added to pictures and designs bleeding to the edge to show no white space or border around the artwork. It is also important to keep text at least a 1/4" (0.25") 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, to name a few. Many Pantone colors show a marked color shift when converted to four color process.
For one, two, or three color jobs printed in Pantone spot color, ensure your colors are specified as spot color and separate correctly. You can test this by printing separations on your laser printer.
Digital files must reflect accurate color models and percentages to achieve the desired color on the press. Please ensure all colors are in CMYK mode for accuracy and better-quality output.
Image Resolutions
► All images and pictures should be at least 96 - 300 dpi.
► Rasterized text or logos should be 1200 dpi.
► Screen values should be between 133 - 150 lpi.
Guidelines by Application
The following outlines the specific file requirements by application. If you have any questions, please get in touch with our graphics department.
Adobe Photoshop
► Files should be 96 - 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 lpi.)
Microsoft Publisher
► Files should be 96 - 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 lpi.)
Digital Proofs
We provide PDF files as electronic soft proofs. These digital proofs intend to show you your job's layout and design elements but cannot guarantee color accuracy. If color accuracy is essential, please ask for a hard copy proof. Scan all transparencies and line art at 100% of the 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 the final size unless data size is prohibitive. If such a case occurs, scan at 1/4 or 1/2 of the final size.