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PRINTING PRODUCTS

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of files can I send?

We recommend sending most files as a .PDF, you may also send files in the following types: jpg, jpeg, psd, tif, tiff, eps, ai, and png.

We prefer that you send .PDF and .EPS files with outlined fonts. These files are easier to handle and will likely speed up your turn-around.

Remember to add crop marks and flatten your files before uploading.

 

2. What color mode should my files be in for printing?

If you send us an RGB file, there is a chance that a color shift may occur and you may not be satisfied with your job.

You should always start and finish your designs in CMYK color mode.

 

3. What resolution should my file be?

Low resolution files may be printed as is or will be placed on hold until we receive new files, slowing your turn-around.

We only accept 300 dpi files for printing and no less.

 

4. What is the difference between raster and vector?

Raster based artwork such as photos, or flattened artwork (from Adobe Photoshop) are made up of tiny squares (pixels) and depending on your resolution and/or final output size desired, the file could have a low quality end result. Any raster elements you wish to use should have a high enough resolution (DPI) before considering them for your large format product.

Vector based artwork such as illustrations or clip-art style elements (from Adobe Illustrator) is made with mathematical calculations, and can be scaled up to any size without losing quality. Keep in mind that any effects used in Adobe Illustrator are raster based and have transparency - this greatly adds to file size and you must have correct settings in your "Document Raster Effects Settings" to ensure best output for these effects. If you're doing a photo-quality print on a 36" x 48" poster, and leave the raster effects settings at default 72 DPI - you may see tiny squares in your drop shadows, as opposed to a smooth shadow.

 

5. How should I set up my bleed and crop marks?

Bleed must extend past the cut-line and will be trimmed from the product during the final cutting phase. When the image is required to extend all the way to the edge, bleed is needed to preserve the finished look and the quality of the final product.

Please keep all text at least 0.125" inside the cut-line.

- The bleed for Standard Products is 0.125".
- The bleed for Booklets and Presentation Folders is 0.25".

We recommend using our templates at all times.

When sending an .eps or .pdf, make sure you include crop marks so we can cut the job correctly.

 

6. How do I use Printing Templates?

Our Certified Templates are a great tool to create artwork that can be printed faster, easier, and more accurately. Download our specialized templates from the Printing Templates page to use as your guide when sending us artwork.

Here is what each of the lines mean inside the template:

Here is what an 8.5x11 brochure template looks like:

These templates will help you identify where the cut line, bleed line, and safety line, are located along with other information so you can design your art correctly.

Some of our templates are labeled as OUT and IN. This means that there is some folding involved with the template. OUT means the FRONT of the job and IN means the BACK. During the upload part of your order, remember that OUT is the FRONT and IN is the BACK.

Here is an example of the fold-over business card template:

As you can see, OUT is the FRONT of the job and after folding, will be facing outward. You can also see the rotation of the job. The front must be positioned upside down so it can fold correctly.

Remember, do not move or change any part of the template when using them.