Preparing Full Color Files

For best results please follow our guidelines.

FILE FORMAT:
We accept the following file formats TIF, TIFF, JPG, EPS, PNG, AI, PSD, and PDF.

FILE SIZE:
The maximum acceptable combined file size for all uploads is 50MB (megabytes).

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.

Many print designers like to specify PMS colors when designing print projects. Here are a couple of pdf PMS color charts to help:

• Pantone to CMYK color conversion.
• Will CMYK to PMS color specs work or display properly.

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". Please download templates and design your files on these templates to ensure proper bleed.

Please build your print-ready digital files by adding the appropriate bleed to your file.
Add 0 .1" bleed to each dimension (or 0.05" bleed on all four sides) for the following products:

• business cards
• bookmarks
• club cards
• postcards
• rack cards
• rip cards
• scored cards

Add 0.125" (1/8") bleed to each dimension (or 0.0625" bleed on all four sides) for the following products:

• door hangers

Add 0.1875" bleed to each dimension for roll labels (or 0.09375" bleed on all four sides for square or rectangle roll labels) and special shapes.

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.

SAFE, TRIM, AND BLEED ZONES:
We’ve built in three zones into our templates:

• Safe Zone: We suggest you keep all text and copy inside this zone and away from the edge of the trimmed sheet.
• Trimming Zone: This marks where we’ll trim you finished product.
• Bleed Zone: Any copy within this zone will be trimmed off and will look like it runs off the edge of the sheet.

FONTS:

• Fonts must be embedded in PDF files.
• Fonts must be outlined or converted to paths or curves in EPS files.
• Some fonts have copyright restrictions and will not embed in PDF Files.

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.

PERFECT BINDING:
We do not recommend crossover images and/or copy, as these elements may be lost in the gutter and may not line up after binding.

Please keep all critical images and/or copy within the Safe Zone to ensure these elements are clearly visible and there are no line-up registration issues when the product is bound.

DIMENSION EXAMPLES: