For optimum printing results and faster processing of your order and supplied print files, we recommend that you review our file set up instructions prior to setting up your print files.
- Artwork should be built in CMYK color mode. Print files can be converted to CMYK from RGB prior to production, however, this can cause shifts in color, so we do advise that you do this prior to placing your order with us. While an exact color match is not guaranteed, setting up your files in CMYK helps to ensure color quality on your order. If exact color match is a concern, we do recommend purchasing a hard copy proof. This can be purchase prior to placing your order, or as an add on when your order is submitted.
- PMS Color Matches – your order will be printed in CMYK color. We do not offer PMS matches, however, if a PMS match is required, we recommend that you check your Pantone color reference to determine the correct CMYK percentages for the PMS color you are trying to match.Files should be created at a minimum resolution of 300 DPI (dots per inch). Resolution can not be added after your file is built, so changing a 72 DPI file to 300 DPI after it is created and flattened will produce the same results as though it was printed at 72 DPI. Low resolution artwork can result in choppy or fuzzy images and copy, and can render smaller font sizes illegible.
- Please make sure that all fonts used in your print file are outlined or embedded. If you used Adobe Photoshop to create your print file, please make sure that your PDF file is Flattened prior to submission to us.
- Use of Black Ink – For images and backgrounds, we recommend a Rich Black using 75% Cyan, 68% Magenta, 67% Yellow and 90% Black. Increasing or decreasing the Cyan, Magenta or Yellow percentages will result in a warmer or cooler black. We recommend using 100% Black (0% Cyan, 0% Magenta, 0% Yellow and 100% Black for smaller font sizes). Do not submit artwork containing large patches of 400% Black (100% Cyan, 100% Magenta, 100% Yellow and 100% Black) as this art will be sent back to you for color adjustments.
- All print files should include 1/8” bleed and ¼” safety area. The bleed is the background area outside final trim that will get trimmed off. Without bleed, white borders will be visible on some or all sides of the finished piece. The 1/8” bleed should be included even on files with a white background. The safety area is the area inside final trim which indicates the distance important text and images which are not a part of the background should be contained. This allows for best finished appearance. We recommend you use our templates for proper set up of bleed and safety area, but all files should be built 1/8” larger on each side than final trim, so a piece with a finished size of 4” x 6” would have a document size of 4.25” x 6.25”.
- Files will always be printed head to head and foot to foot (top of page 1 oriented with top of page 2). Please see our infographic for further details.
- The front of your finished piece is always page 1 of your supplied PDF. If one side of the finished piece should have UV coating, please make sure this is indicated as the front/page 1 of your supplied PDF. We will not be responsible for incorrectly named files being UV coated on the incorrect side.
The above file set up instructions are intended as a guideline. We may contact you with additional concerns regarding your specific file that are not covered here, however, problems resulting from deviation from these guidelines will void our warranty on the product, so we do advise that you submit files as per the above instructions. If you submit files that do not comply with these guidelines, you will be contacted and asked for new files. If you choose to proceed with supplied files which do not comply with these guidelines, we will request your written confirmation that you understand the potential issues which may occur from improper file set up, but wish to proceed and are aware that this will void your product warranty.