Preparing files for Submission

This page will explain how we need files prepared so we can print them. You can also click here to download an easy to follow PDF on file submission. If you need a template for a specific item, let us know and we can email it to you. FILE FORMAT: We accept the following file formats TIF, TIFF, JPG, EPS, AI, PSD, and PDF. RESOLUTION: All file formats must have a minimum of 300 dpi (dot per inch) resolution. The images designed for the web are done at a low screen resolution of 72 dpi. Print images need to be created at 300 dpi or there will be a substantial drop in the image quality. COLOR MODE: All color artwork and/or images must be provided in CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color mode. All black & white artworks and/or images must be provided in grayscale color mode. Heavy black ink might cause smearing. BLEED: What's a bleed? Bleed is the portion of the product that will be trimmed off when it is cut to the final size. Why bleed? The purpose of a bleed is to continue a color, image, or design to the edge of the product. Due to the possibility of shifting in the trimming process, a bleed is required to ensure that a white line does not show on the edges of your product. We require ALL files to be built to the full bleed dimension specified for each trim size. We automatically trim the bleed off of each side, which will result in the desired trim size. For example: business cards require a 0.1" bleed to each dimension (or 0.05" bleed on all four sides). Thus, a 2" x 3.5" business card would have a bleed size 2.1" x 3.6". Please build your print-ready digital files by adding the appropriate bleed to your file. Add 0 .1" bleed to each dimension (or 0.05" bleed on all four sides) for the following products:

business cards
bookmarks
CD packages
club flyers
collectors cards
DVD packages
event tickets
postcards
rack cards
rip business cards
rolodex
stickers
table tents
tent cards

Add 0.125" (1/8") bleed to each dimension (or 0.0625" bleed on all four sides) for the following products:

brochures
door hangers
envelopes
flyers
hang tags
letterhead
mini menus
notepads
posters
staggered cut flyers
posters (wide)
banners
window clings
window decals
yard signs

Add 0.1875" bleed to each dimension for roll labels (or 0.09375" bleed on all four sides for square or rectangle roll labels) and special shapes. Add 0.225" bleed to each dimension (or 0.1125" bleed on all four sides) for presentation folders. Add 0.375" bleed to each dimension (or 0.1875" bleed on all four sides) for booklets, calendars, and catalogs. Add 0.375" bleed to each dimension (or 0.1875" bleed on all four sides) for banners, yard signs, a-frames & sidewalk signs. CROP MARKS: Please build your press-ready digital files by adding crop marks. Lines indicating where the paper should be cut to produce the correct size. FONTS: a. Fonts must be embedded in PDF files. b. Fonts must be outlined or converted to paths or curves in EPS files. c. Some fonts have copyright restrictions and will not embed in PDF Files. d. Quark Express: Fonts and images must be included with all files submitted. (Mac only) SAFE ZONE: All critical elements (text, images, logos, etc.) must be kept at least 0.125" inside the edge. Anything left close to edge may be cut off during trimming. BORDERS: Please allow 1/16" cutting space around your card. No borders are recommended, as shifting in the cutting process may make borders appear uneven. PERFECT BINDING: We do not recommend crossover images and/or copy, as these elements may be lost in the gutter and may not line up after binding. Please keep all critical images and/or copy within the Safe Zone to ensure these elements are clearly visible and there are no line-up registration issues when the product is bound. DIMENSIONS:

Products

Final Print Size - 300dpi

Size with Bleed - 300dpi

Business Cards

Inch: 2"x3.5"

Pixels: 700x1225

Inch: 2.1"x3.6"

Pixels: 735x1260

Postcards

Inch: 4"x6"

Pixels: 1400x2100

Inch: 4.1"x6.1"