Printer's File-Prep Guide

Our equipment and processes have specific requirements, so reaching out before you finalize a design saves time.

Tell us your quantity, paper stock, dimensions, binding, and finishing needs (matte/gloss lamination, die-cutting) along with your deadline. Ask for a template if you're building a common project like a brochure or business card, and confirm whether you want a digital or hardcopy proof.

PDF is our preferred format — export as "PDF/X-1a:2001" or "Press Quality" with fonts embedded and no password protection.

AI/EPS works for vector artwork like logos — convert all text to outlines first. TIFF is best for high-resolution CMYK raster images; avoid JPEGs, which introduce compression artifacts.

We can't work with PNG, low-resolution JPEG, Word, PowerPoint, or Canva files — none of them are print-ready. Name files clearly (e.g. "ProjectName_JobNumber.pdf") and include native files (.indd, .psd, .ai) as backups if we ask for them.

Match your document size to the final trimmed size, using exact measurements from our template or your job order.

Include a 0.125" (3mm) bleed on all sides unless we specify otherwise — a 5"x7" postcard, for example, should be submitted at 5.25"x7.25" with backgrounds extended into that bleed area.

Keep text, logos, and other critical elements at least 0.125" inside the trim line (0.25"–0.5" near the spine for booklets or bound items), and include crop marks offset from the bleed area — skip any other printer marks unless we ask for them.

All files should be in CMYK. RGB files get converted for print, which can alter colors unpredictably — convert images to CMYK in Photoshop before placing them in your layout.

For specific branding or specialty inks (like metallics), use Pantone (PMS) colors and label them clearly in your file. Spot colors carry an added cost, so confirm with us first.

Use 100% K for text and barcodes for crisp output, and our recommended rich-black formula (40C, 40M, 40Y, 100K) for large solid black areas. Remove unused color swatches, and request a hardcopy proof if color accuracy is critical — screen colors (RGB) never match printed CMYK exactly.

All images should be 300 DPI at final size for standard printing (large-format projects like banners can run 150–200 DPI — confirm with us).

Use vector formats (AI/EPS) for logos and illustrations so they scale without quality loss, and TIFF or PSD for photos rather than low-resolution or web-sourced JPEGs (typically only 72 DPI). Flatten transparencies in raster images, and make sure you have the rights to use every image — we're not responsible for copyrighted material.

Embed all fonts in your PDF, or convert text to outlines in Illustrator/InDesign to eliminate font dependency entirely.

Avoid synthetic bold or italic styles applied in software — use the font's actual bold or italic variant. Save a non-outlined version for future edits, avoid Type 1 fonts (unsupported in newer Adobe software), and include font files with native submissions if they're not outlined.

Double-check spelling, grammar, and layout before submitting — we're not responsible for errors in submitted files. Print a hardcopy at 100% scale to see the design as it will actually appear in print.

Run Adobe Acrobat's Preflight tool to check for missing fonts, low-resolution images, or incorrect color modes, and make sure all linked images are embedded.

We provide a digital proof (PDF) for approval before printing; hardcopy proofs are available for an added fee. Review every proof carefully — an approved proof is considered final.

For booklets or magazines, submit pages in reader's order (1, 2, 3, 4...) as a single PDF unless we specify printer's spreads, and note the binding type (saddle-stitch, perfect-bound, etc.).

Specify finishing details — folding, perforations, UV coating — in your job order, with mockups for complex folds. For die-cutting, provide a separate layer with the die-line in a spot color labeled "DieCut."

Compress multiple files into a ZIP, upload via our FTP or cloud link (or email files under 10MB), and include a job ticket with your project specs and any special instructions.