Artwork Guidelines
We have prepared the following guide to assist you with your electronic file preparation and submission. If you have a specific problem that is not covered in this guide, or have other questions, please feel free to contact us. Improperly prepared files can cause delays in manufacturing.
Quick Checklist
All fonts are included.
â–ºType is legible and crisp.
â–ºPage layout is correct.
â–ºMargins are set.
â–ºArtwork matches the specified dimensions.
â–ºAll linked files, images, and fonts are placed in separate folders.
â–ºColors 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 to prevent accidental cropping.
Color Specifications
Full-color artwork is reproduced in process color (CMYK), unless otherwise specified. RGB and Pantone/PMS colors may change when converted, and exact screen or swatch matching is not guaranteed. Contact us before ordering if a specific color match is essential.
For one, two or three color jobs printed in Pantone spot color, make sure your colors are specified as spot color and they separate correctly. You can test this by printing separations on your laser printer.
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
â–ºAll images and pictures should be 300 dpi.
â–ºRasterized text or logos should be 1200 dpi.
â–ºScreen 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
â–ºFiles should be 300 dpi at 100% of actual size for quality offset reproduction.
â–ºFiles 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 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. 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.