Guidelines to help you submit your order for fastest service.
Print-Ready Files
Print-ready files are those which adhere to our file requirements. Below is a list of requirements sorted by application. General rule of thumb - any image placed into your file must be in CMYK regular type format, 300 dpi resolution and have an 1/8" safe-area margin. Whenever possible, convert fonts to outlines, curves, and/or paths. Extend bleeds 1/8" beyond finished size. Always submit files at 100% of size to be printed. Orders for non-standard size products such as European business cards should be brought to our attention.
Preferred File Formats
- PDF - Saved with a setting selection of PRESS QUALITY. All placed art should be 300 dpi. Note: The PRESS QUALITY setting will convert any spot color into CMYK unless options are checked to include spot color information.
- EPS - Preferably those saved from Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw or Adobe InDesign with fonts converted to outline. All placed and/or imported images must be in CMYK format, 300 dpi and embedded into the EPS file. Or included as separate files during transmittal. Flatten layers. EPS files should be saved as Post Script Level 3 if supported by your application.
- PSD or TIFF - If using fonts or linked files, either flatten images and save with no layers or include fonts and linked files separately. Must be in CMYK mode. Minimum 300 dpi. 1/8" bleed area on all sides. TIFF can be saved with LZW compression or no compression.
Native File Formats That We Accept:
- AI - Adobe Illustrator file with fonts converted to outlines. All placed images are in CMYK format and 300 dpi. No layers. Flatten Transparency when possible.
- PSD - Adobe Photoshop file with no layers. (Image must be flattened) must be in CMYK mode. Minimum 300 dpi.
- IND or INDD - Adobe InDesign file with fonts converted to outlines. All placed images are in CMYK format and 300 dpi. No layers. If including layers or fonts that have not been outlined, please PACKAGE from within InDesign drop-down menus.
- QXD - Quark Xpress file with all placed images in CMYK format and 300 dpi. All fonts and images must be COLLECTED from within Quark Xpress. Send in with report generated by Quark Xpress.
- JPEG - Minimum 300 dpi, CMYK, saved with a quality setting of Maximum. Use this format ONLY if you are sure of your quality setting when saving. Do Not import JPEG files into your page layout or graphic programs unless they are 300 dpi and in CMYK.