File Requirements, Art Preparation Tips and Acceptable File Types

File Requirements

1. Resolution must be 300dpi at 100% of the finished size.
   For example, if your poster will be 18" x 24", the dpi at 18" x 24" should be 300. Using this same example, if your document dimensions are smaller than 18" x 24" and the file is already 300 dpi, when the document is blown up to 18" x 24" the dpi it will no longer be 300.
2. Include a 1/8" bleed margin if your design will be printed all the way to the edge.
   For example, if your project will be 11" x 17", your file document dimensions will need to be 11.25 x 17.25 (.125" extra on all 4 sides), and your design will need to extend all the way to the edge. More information and visual examples about bleeds can be found here.
3. Make sure to include a 1/8" safety area.
   Any information you do not want trimmed off your design should be at least 1/8" away from the trim line. More information and visual examples about safety area can be found here.
4. Make sure your file is built in the correct color mode. (visual examples)
   
   • Four (4) Color: CMYK
     4 color (or full color) needs to be in CMYK. One of the most common file problems occurs when artwork is submitted in RGB, which is the color mode for on-screen viewing. Printing is done with 4 colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black, so your file must contain this color information in order for us to process it.
   • Two ( 2) or Three (3) color: Spot Color.
     For two or three colors, your file must be set up in spot color in order to print correctly. Only postscript programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, Quark, etc, have the ability to do this. Your color information will need to be in "Spot Channels" with the Pantone color specified.
   • One (1) color or Black & White: Grayscale.
     One color and Black and white printing only uses one ink, so your file will need to be set up in Grayscale.
5. If using Photoshop, artwork must be flattened.
6. If using Illustrator, all fonts need to be created to outlines.
7. Make sure all images have been embedded, and all embedded images meet the resolution and color requirements. As a reminder, images should be at least 300 dpi and in CYMK color mode.
8. SPELL CHECK your text. After a proof has been generated, file re-submit fees will apply.

Art Preparation Tips

We've prepared some additional tips that will help you produce a better quality product.

1. Measure all folds to ensure panels line up correctly.
   HINT: A trifold brochure will not fold in exactly thirds. The outside panel will be slightly larger than the other. (Usually 3 5/8", 3 5/8", 3 9/16". That 1/16" makes a big difference when using heavier stocks.)
2. If at all possible, try to avoid using fonts smaller than 8pt. If you do, it is a good idea to print at a higher resolution such as 400 or 500 dpi.
3. If you are using thin typefaces, please lay out your type in a vector program such as Illustrator. Bitmapped images make it difficult to control the trapping around small type, and the smallest shift on press can result in ink bleeding into your type.
4. The same applies to lines that are below 3/10 of a point (0.3). These are known as "hairlines" and require special attention to the colors around them.
5. If you are using Microsoft software to produce your files, be sure to create a PDF to send the file to us. Double check that the output settings are 300dpi and in CMYK.
6. Avoid using coatings (such as Aqueous) on papers thinner than 100# Text.
7. Coatings are recommended for artwork that has a lot of dark colors and that is printed on gloss paper. Oils from your fingers are easily seen on dark colors. Additionally, coatings are recommended for artwork that has heavy ink coverage (such as a black background).

Acceptable File Types

Preferred File Types

We accept any file created from a postscript program: Illustrator, Freehand, Photoshop, Quark, InDesign, etc. Of these, the preferred types are AI, PDF, or EPS files. We accept Photoshop files, however the file size will be much smaller and upload quickly if the file is flattened and saved as a Photoshop PDF. Saving as a Photoshop PDF will not diminish the quality of your finished product.

If you supply a Quark or InDesign file, make sure to zip the entire file hierarchy as it links in the source document. If you are using digital painting programs such as Corel Painter or Corel Draw, please save your file as a PDF or TIF.

Other File Types

While we will accept non post-script files, these files will result in additional charges. This applies to Word, Publisher, Excel and PowerPoint. If you do use a Microsoft program to create your file, we highly recommend saving your document as a PDF or JPG. To do this, you will need a program called Acrobat Writer but there are also numerous free PDF creation programs.

If you are unable to create a file in the preferred format, do not hesitate to call customer service at 1-866-465-2427. One of our online printing experts will assist you and find a way to print your design.

File Type Quick List

* preferred
** extra charges apply