We have prepared the following guide to assist you with your electronic file preparation and submission. If you have a specific problem that is not covered in this guide, or have other questions, please feel free to contact us. Improperly prepared files can cause delays in manufacturing.
Quick Checklist
►All fonts are included.
►Type is legible and crisp.
►Page layout is correct.
►Margins are set.
►Artwork matches the specified dimensions.
►All linked files, images, and fonts are placed in separate folders.
►Colors in CMYK mode.
Bleeds
A 1/8" border must be added to pictures and designs bleeding to the edge so that there is no white space or border showing around the artwork. It is also important to keep text at least a 1/4" away from the paper edge of the trim line to prevent accidental cropping.
Color Specifications
Print previews are not a safe and sure measuring tool for color accuracy. Colors on the file might be affected by monitor calibration, screen resolution and lighting, just to name a few. Many Pantone colors show a marked color shift when converted to CMYK four color process.
For one, two or three color jobs printed in Pantone spot color, make sure your colors are specified as spot color and they separate correctly. You can test this by printing separations on your laser printer.
To achieve the desired color on press, digital files must reflect accurate color models and percentage. Please make sure all colors are in CMYK mode for color accuracy and a better quality output.
Image Resolutions
►All images and pictures should be 300 dpi.
►Rasterized text or logos should be 1200 dpi.
►Screen values should be between 133 lpi and 150 lpi.
Guidelines by Application
The following outlines the specific file requirements by application. If you have any questions, please contact our graphics department at: 978-534-5255.
Adobe Photoshop
►Files should be 300 dpi at 100% of actual print size for quality offset reproduction.
►Files should be saved in PDF format (embed all fonts and set the screen value to 300 lpi.)
Adobe InDesign
►It is best to submit your project by first packaging your Adobe InDesign document and zipping the files for upload. This will insure that we have all the necessary links, fonts, and associated files to reproduce your document accurately and insure the best output possible.
►Or, saved in PDF format in "High Quality Print" or "Press Quality" (embed all fonts and set the screen value to 300 lpi.) If you have special or unique fonts, please select the fonts and create outlines from the type menue in Adobe InDesign.
Adobe Illustrator
►Saving your Adobe Illustrator file as an EPS file with all fonts converted to outlines and all colors in CMYK mode will insure proper output. If your document bleeds (where the image or graphig comes in contact with the edge) please allow for an additional 1/8" on all sides of your documents size to accommodate trimming. Text and images that do not bleed should reside within a 1/4" margin.
►Or, saved in PDF format in "High Quality Print" or "Press Quality" (embed all fonts and set the screen value to 300 lpi.) If you have special or unique fonts, please select the fonts and create outlines from the type menu in Adobe Illustrator.
Microsoft Word & Microsoft Programs
►Save your document as a PDF document. If your document bleeds (where the image or graphig comes in contact with the edge) please allow for an additional 1/8" on all sides of your documents size to accomodate trimming. To do this you will need to make a custome page size. Text and images that do not bleed should reside within a 1/4" margin. For business cards, a 1/8" margin is sufficient.
Digital Proofs
We provide PDF files as electronic soft proofs. These digital proofs are intend to show you the layout and design elements of your job but cannot be a guaranty of color accuracy. If color accuracy is of extreme importance to you, please ask for a hard copy proof. Scan all transparencies, photos, and line art at 100% of final size.
When viewing digital proofs, please be sure to view them at 100% or Actual Size to insure that small type, graphics, and images are to your liking.
Approved proofs are final and are submitted for immediate production.
Web-To-Print Services | Digital Printing Company | Online Printing Service
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