Print Specifications
Art Guidelines
Set up your files right the first time and avoid delays.
These match the requirements of our production press. Every file is checked automatically (preflighted) the moment you upload it, so you'll know right away if something needs fixing.
Bleed, trim & safe area
- Bleed: extend backgrounds and images 0.0625" (1/16") past the trim on every side, 0.125" larger overall. A 3.5" × 2" business card is built at 3.625" × 2.125"; a 6" × 4" postcard at 6.125" × 4.125". Up to 1/8" per side is also fine.
- Safe zone: keep text, logos and anything you don't want cut off at least 0.125" inside the trim line.
- No crop marks or printer's marks. Export with bleed only.
- Borders: avoid thin borders close to the edge, since trimming can shift slightly.
Color & resolution
- Build files in CMYK. RGB files are converted to CMYK and colors may shift.
- Images must be at least 300 dpi at final print size. Large-format banners and signs can be 150 dpi at full size.
- For rich black use C50 M40 Y40 K100. Use 100% K only for small text.
Files
- PDF is preferred (PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4). JPG, TIFF and EPS are also accepted. PNG, PSD, Word and Publisher files can't be printed.
- Embed all fonts or convert text to outlines. Flatten layered files.
- One page per printed side: upload a file for the front and one for the back, or a single 2-page PDF (page 1 front, page 2 back). Booklets and catalogs take one multi-page PDF.
- Files print as submitted, so please proofread carefully before ordering.
File prep by program
- Adobe Photoshop: set resolution to 300 dpi and mode to CMYK, flatten, then save as PDF or TIFF (or JPEG at maximum quality).
- Adobe Illustrator / InDesign: select all and create outlines (or embed fonts), then export a PDF with 0.0625" bleed and no printer's marks.
- Other programs: export a high-quality PDF at final size plus bleed, with fonts embedded. If your program can't add bleed, extend the background yourself.
Before you approve a proof, please read our digital proof disclaimer. New to print terms? See the printing glossary.
Need help? Our design team can set up or create your files.