Preparing Files For Print
Our basic pricing is based on receving print-ready files, and we’ve listed some guidelines below. If you need help, we offer excellent prepress services
- #1 Use The Right Software
- Commercial printing uses a 4 color printing process (CMYK). If you’re creating your own artwork, it’s important to create and save your file using software that supports the CMYK process. We accept the following formats:
- Adobe Acrobat (pdf)
- Adobe Illustrator (ai, eps)
- Adobe InDesign (indd)
- Quark Xpress (qxd)
- Photoshop (psd)
Files formatted in Word, Publisher, and Powerpoint are not suitable for print. To print properly, files must be CMYK, not RGB. Word, Publisher and Powerpoint will only allow files to be created in RGB, and thus are not suitable for print. Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Quark Xpress all allow files to be created in CMYK and are suitable for print projects.
For more information, see file types we accept.
- #2 Document Scanning and Images
- Follow proper procedures for scanning images and documents, and make sure the images you use are print quality resolution.
For more information, see our document scanning policies.
- #3 Follow Our Printing Guidelines
- Print quality files require high resolution images. Avoid using images from the Internet in your files. They will be low resolution and will print poorly.
Check that color separations are suitable for the CMYK process. Don’t forget that your product will be trimmed. If you want a color or images to run off the page, make sure you allow for bleed.
Either convert fonts to outlines, or supply them to us, and well as any images that you might have linked in your project.
For more information, see our printing guidelines.
- #4 Sending your files
- Once your file is finished and ready for print, make a compressed file that includes any associated fonts and images. This will be a zip file if you’re a PC user and a stuffit file if you’re a Mac user. Compressing your files will keep associated file together, and ensure speedy upload.