Home :: :: Preparing Files For Printing

Preparing Files For Printing

FILE FORMAT:

We accept the following file formats TIF, TIFF, JPG, EPS, PNG, AI, PSD, and PDF. 
For Instant Online Proof, we require that the PDFs be saved as Acrobat 5 (PDF 1.4) or older.

FILE SIZE:
The maximum file size acceptable for upload is 50MB (megabytes) per file.

RESOLUTION:
All file formats must have a minimum of 350 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 350 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".
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).

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.

Business Forms
Carpet Cleaning Invoice
Plumbing Invoice
HVAC Invoice
Tow Truck Invoice
Auto Body Repait Invoice
Auto Repair Invoice
Electrical Invoice
Sales Receipt Books

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.

DIMENSIONS:
Products Final Print Size - 350dpi Size with Bleed - 350dpi 
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"
Pixels:1435x2135 
Postcards Inch: 4.25"x5.5"
Pixels:1488x1925 Inch: 4.35"x5.6"
Pixels:1522x1960 
Postcards Inch: 5"x7"
Pixels:1750x2450 Inch: 5.1"x7.1"
Pixels:1785x2485 
Postcards Inch: 5.5"x8.5"
Pixles:1925x2975 Inch: 5.6"x8.6"
Pixels:1960x3010 
Rackcards Inch: 4"x9"
Pixels:1925x2975 Inch: 4.1"x9.1"
Pixels:1435x3185