In order to ensure your files are print-ready, we recommend that you upload them in PDF format. When you generate a print-ready PDF, your computer will use the settings in Adobe Acrobat Distiller or any other PDF generating programs you may use. Please make sure that these are set properly before generating your PDF file.
If you are uploading PDF files created in Photoshop, please be sure all layers are flattened.
We also accept .JPG (JPEG), .EPS and .TIF (TIFF) file types, however PDF is the preferred format.
Check your file to make sure it meets our file creation guidelines. This will help speed up the production of your project and give your printed piece the best results.
Use the CMYK colorspace (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, blacK). These are industry standard printing colors. CMYK colors are different than RGB (Red, Green, Blue), which are used to display colors on your screen.
Use a minimum resolution of 300 dpi for image files.
Specify trim area with crop marks. (Don’t place crop marks inside the work area.)
Artwork should have 1/8″ (0.125″) bleed extending past the trim line. This is to prevent minor cutting variations from leaving unintended results at the trim edge.
Safe Area is the 1/8″ (0.125″) area inside the trim line. Do not put critical information or images within the Safe Area. This is to prevent minor cutting variations from leaving unintended results at the trim edge.
If you want printed borders, they must be placed a minimum of 1/8″ (0.125″) inside the trim line and include bleed. This is to prevent minor cutting variations from leaving unintended results at the trim edge.
Please click the link below for an explanation of file orientation.
View File Orientation
We require that you extend any images that run up to the trim line a minimum of 1/8″ (0.125″) past the trim line to create “bleed”. Depending on what program you use to create your file, this may or may not change the total image area of your file. Programs like Photoshop that do not allow the creation of “bleed” or the addition of crop marks will require an image area that is 1/4″ (0.25″) larger than your desired final overall image area in both dimensions.
Safe Area is the 1/8″ (0.125″) area inside the trim line. Do not put critical information or images within the Safe Area. This is to prevent minor cutting variations from leaving unintended results at the trim edge. If you choose to make less than this minimum clearance, we will NOT be responsible for items that are cut off in this area.
We provide three types of proofing options to ensure your order meets expectations:
Online PDF Proof: You will receive an email with a link to view a digital proof. This proof is intended for checking content and layout placement only. Please note that colors may appear different on your screen compared to the final printed product due to monitor and lighting variations.
Hard Copy Proof: A physical proof can be picked up in person or shipped to you. This proof is for reviewing content and positioning but is not printed on the actual stock you selected. Color variations may occur when compared to the final product. When you request a Hard Copy Proof, an Online PDF Proof will also be provided at no extra cost.
No Proof, Run As-Is: This option is designed for experienced industry professionals who are confident their files are press-ready and do not require a proof before production.
File Check: Our prepress team will review your file upon submission. If any issues are identified, you will be contacted via email. Please be aware that your order will not proceed until you respond to this email. This could impact your project’s turnaround time. File checks do not apply to “No Proof, Run As-Is” orders. For these, we will print directly from the file(s) you upload, provided they meet the ordered specifications.
How to Check Your Online PDF Proof:
The black crop marks define the final trim size. Red dashed lines indicate scoring locations, green dashed lines show perforation marks, and solid red lines mark the cut or trim edges. Any text instructions on the proof will help visualize how pages will align after folding.
Please Note: The initial file review by our technical team is included in your order price. However, if we find technical issues and request a corrected file, any repeated errors in subsequent uploads may incur an additional prepress fee for re-checking.
To ensure your files are ready for print, we recommend uploading them in PDF format. When creating a print-ready PDF, please verify that your settings in Adobe Acrobat Distiller or any other PDF generator are configured correctly before exporting your file.
We also accept .JPG (JPEG), .EPS, and .TIF (TIFF) formats, but PDF remains the preferred option for the best results.
Before submitting your artwork, please review the following file preparation guidelines to help avoid production delays and achieve optimal print quality:
- Use the CMYK color mode (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black), which is the industry standard for printing. Please note that CMYK colors display differently from RGB (Red, Green, Blue) colors, which are used for screens.
- If your design includes Spot UV, create a separate Spot UV mask file alongside your main artwork. This file should be created in a vector-based program like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW, using solid 100% black (K) to indicate UV areas. Avoid using gradients, shadows, or grayscale images for the mask. White areas will indicate no UV coating.
- Ensure your image files have a resolution of at least 300 dpi to maintain sharpness and clarity in print.
- Add crop marks to indicate the trim area. Do not place crop marks within the live design area.
- Include a bleed of 1/8″ (0.125″) beyond the trim line to account for slight cutting variations and to ensure your artwork extends to the edge of the printed piece.
- Keep important text and design elements within the Safe Area, which is 1/8″ (0.125″) inside the trim line, to prevent accidental trimming of essential content.
- If your design includes borders, position them at least 1/8″ (0.125″) inside the trim line and ensure the design includes bleed. This will minimize the risk of uneven borders after trimming.