Full Color Printing File Prep and FAQ
Get help preparing your files for quality results and faster turnaround
Files must be submitted in "PRESS-READY" format. Your files must conform to the following:
- 300 dpi resolution (100 dpi for banners)
- CMYK or Grayscale TIFF, EPS, PDF
- QuarkXpress, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Freehand
- Postcript Type 1 fonts
Files that are not "PRESS-READY" will be subject to a fee. To avoid this fee as well as production delays, please have your files prepared for output before uploading them.
An 1/8" bleed is required on all files submitted. Please also keep all text and important information/images at least 1/8" inside the trim line. Cutting CAN and WILL vary, up to 1/8", so if you design your card with thin borders or with text/images close to the edge, please be aware that they may be trimmed off.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does "PRESS-READY" mean?
- "Press-Ready" means that your files are ready to be processed into plates for use in our Press. Not all software can save files in a Press-Ready format.
- What file formats/applications* are supported by Press?
- NOTE: We accept files saved at high quality 300dpi resolution from any program as a TIFF, PDF or EPS.
- QuarkXpress/InDesign: Send all PostScript Type 1 fonts and ensure all colors and any images used are converted to CMYK. Collect for output. Save and send files as a .sit or .sea, or .zip format. Make sure linked images are EPS or TIFFs, and not JPGs. Please remember to send the images and any fonts used in your document.
- Photoshop: Save all files in CMYK color mode. Resolution of file should be 300dpi. Save and send file as a flattened EPS, PDF, JPG or TIFF.
- Illustrator: Make sure colors are in CMYK. Convert all text to outlines. Save and send file as an EPS or PDF.
- Freehand: Make sure colors are in CMYK. Convert all text to outlines. Save and send file as an EPS or PDF.
- * Microsoft Word, Publisher, Corel, etc. do not create "PRESS-READY" files for output. Jobs submitted using these applications will incur additional charges to prepare your files for printing.
- Can you scan my artwork?
- We offer document and slide scans for an additional $25 charge.
- Can you change my artwork?
- Depending on the type of artwork submitted, we may be able to make modifications to your file. Any requested changes will be subject to an additional charge of at least $35.
- Why can't I submit my job in RGB color mode?
- A lot of the colors you create in RGB mode are not achievable using standard four-color process printing. If you submit your job in RGB color mode, we will convert it before it goes to press, which will lead to color shifts that you may not be happy with. It is always best to create your document from the start in CMYK format to ensure that you have a better idea of how your colors are going to print.
- If I provide a color proof, can you match to it?
- Probably not... as color lasers are typically not accurate.
- Why did the colors print differently from the colors on my monitor?
- Monitors display colors in RGB... not CMYK. As well, most monitors are not calibrated for color accuracy. There is also a wide range of gamma differences in PCs, Macs and various manufacturers of monitors. Room lighting can also have an impact of your perception of color. Leave the color to us - we're the experts!
- Can I create a file exactly to size?
- Only if there is NO bleed required... otherwise you must add 1/8" of bleed around all 4 sides of your files. Download the appropriate template listed above to insure correct bleed and trim settings.
- Do you offer other paper stocks?
- All of our pricing is based on gang-run printing on the paper stock specified in each item's description. If you wish to print on a custom stock, your price will most likely be significantly higher than our "standard" pricing, since your job will then have to run by itself on press, which means you will incur the full cost of custom plate output, press setup, press time, and cleanup. If you are interested in having a custom quote, please feel free to contact us we'll be happy to quote your custom project based on your specifications.
