File Preparation
Preparing Your Files for Print Production
It’s always best to send a print-ready PDF when submitting your own files. Most programs are able to produce PDFs that we can use.
Which applications are the best to prepare my file?
We are happy to accept files created in the following applications:
- InDesign and/or Illustrator (layout and design)
- Photoshop (for preparing photos)
- Microsoft Word
How many colors can I use?
For full-color digital printing, your printed piece will ultimately be the result of the digital press’s combination of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (CMYK).
Historically, we have requested all files be submitted in CMYK color mode, including all placed photos and images to maximize compatibility. However, as a result of advancements in digital pre-press technology, we’ve found that the use of RGB color mode and images (even when using transparent elements or blending modes) ends up working out well in most cases. If you have questions, we’re happy to provide some insight on your particular file or project.
Trying to match a Pantone Matching System (PMS) spot color on our digital equipment? While it’s possible to accurately convert many spot colors to CMYK equivalents, this really must be handled on a case-by-case basis to ensure you receive the output you expect. We’re happy to help consult with you on your project to ensure you get what you want!
What margin values should I use when designing my printed piece?
We recommend outside margins of 1/4″ to 1/2″ (0.25″ to 0.5″) or more. This is not only to help protect critical information from being too close to the trim lines during finishing, but, additionally, it just simply looks better!
I've heard of "crop marks" and bleeds". What are you talking about?!
If you want the printed art print to the edge of the page, you must extend your art beyond the trim edge of the page by 1/8″ or more. This area will be trimmed off to create a clean, edge-to-edge look with no unsightly white lines areas at the edge.
Crop marks are used to indicate trim edge for final size.
What file format is best for my logo?
Vector
For: logos and/or illustrations
The file format for vector art is typically: .ai, .cdr, .eps, and .svg. These files are made of mathematically-computed lines, shapes, and fills that can be reduced/enlarged and will maintain image quality no matter their output size. That’s a good thing!
Raster
For: photos and compositions
File formats you’ll find here are .jpg, .tif, .gif, psd, .bmp, and .png). These files are made up of thousands (even millions) of pixels. As such, depending on how many pixels are used in the original file, the image will lose its quality when enlarged past the original size. A photo that’s been scanned or imported will always be a raster image.
Note: re-saving a raster/photo image to a vector format does NOT turn it into a vector. We [also] wish it was that easy!
Quick Tip: One way to determine if your image is vector or raster is to enlarge the image to twice its size or more. Check the edges; if they are fuzzy or made of tiny squares or dots then it is raster. Now you know!
Don't want to fuss with all this?
Let us create a design for you!
We are always willing to provide an estimate to create the layout and design for you as part of your project.