Artwork Guidelines

Quick Checklist

► All fonts are converted to outlines or curves.

► Type is legible and crisp.

► Page layout is correct.

► Margins are set.

► Artwork matches the specified dimensions.

► All linked files and images are placed in separate folders.

► Colors in CMYK mode (preferred).


Bleeds

A 1/8″ border must be added to pictures and designs bleeding to the trim 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 or the trim line to prevent accidental cropping. If bleed is required for the product it will be indicated in the template.


Image Resolutions

► All images and pictures should be 300 dpi.


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 four color process.

For one or two 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 the press, digital files must reflect accurate color models and percentages. Please make sure all colors are in CMYK mode for color accuracy and better quality output.


Colors:

► All full-color orders will be printed as submitted. Please check your work for errors and use the correct template.

► Select products have limited ink selections. Please choose from the available options.

► Some products are available in one or two-color printing. Please use the colors available according to the downloadable guide under the product’s “Templates” tab.


Color Guides:

► Please specify Pantone color number or standard color name on artwork.

► Color guides are available for download under each product’s “Templates” tab.


Accepted File Types

  • Vector – EPS, AI, SVG
  • Raster – JPG, TIFF, PNG
  • Combination – PDF

Microsoft Word, Excel*, and PowerPoint files will not be accepted!
*Excel and csv files are acceptable for mailing databases only.

Adobe Illustrator / vector program Options:
  1. Convert ALL text to outlines.
  2. For vector graphics, save as Illustrator .AI, .EPS, or .SVG.
  3. For combination vector and raster graphics, save as .PDF. The file must contain vector art and/or high resolution (300 dpi) raster images at finished imprint size.
Adobe InDesign / layout program Options:
  1. Convert ALL text to outlines.
  2. For vector graphics, export as .EPS, or .PDF.
  3. For combination vector and raster graphics, save as .PDF. The file must contain vector art and/or high resolution (300 dpi) raster images at finished imprint size.
  4. May export as .JPG or .PNG for completely rasterized graphics. Make sure to export to 300 dpi.
Adobe Photoshop / raster program Options:
  1. Create a file to finished file size according to the product’s downloadable template at 300 dpi.
  2. May save as .JPG, .TIFF or .PNG.

Font Requirements

► Please convert all text to paths, curves or outlines (vector art). Please list all font names for reference.


Additional Information

► If you need assistance in any way, please contact us at 1(877) 799-0784.

► Please zip files for faster upload with less chance of transfer interruptions using Stuffit for Windows or Zip.

► Please identify the contact name and the name of the candidate or filename, file type and the number of files. If art is sent for a quote, please include the material, size, quantity, colors, and number of colors


Digital Proofs

We may provide a PDF file as an electronic soft proof. These digital proofs intend to show you the layout and design elements of your job, but cannot be a guarantee of color accuracy. If color accuracy is of extreme importance to you, please ask for a hard copy proof. Scan all transparencies and line art at 100% of final size unless data size is prohibitive. If such a case occurs, scan at 1/4 or 1/2 of the final size.