File Preparation Guidelines

Ensure your project flows seamlessly from concept to completion. Review our pre-press checklist before uploading your files to guarantee the highest quality results.

1. Acceptable File Formats

For the highest quality output, we strongly recommend submitting Press-Quality PDF files. Our prepress department also accepts packaged native files from industry-standard software.

  • Adobe Acrobat: High-Resolution / Press-Quality PDF (Preferred)
  • Adobe Illustrator: .AI or .EPS (Please outline all fonts)
  • Adobe InDesign: .INDD (Must use "Package" feature to include all links and fonts)
  • Adobe Photoshop: .PSD, .TIFF, or High-Res .JPEG (Flattened, no layers)

Note on Microsoft Office: Programs like Word, Publisher, and PowerPoint are not designed for commercial printing. If you design in Office, please export your document as a PDF before uploading, and carefully review the proof for formatting shifts.

2. Color Specifications

Commercial printing presses and large-format plotters operate using the CMYK color model. Computer monitors and web graphics display in RGB.

CMYK vs. RGB

All files must be built in or converted to CMYK color space prior to submission. If you submit RGB files, our prepress software will automatically convert them to CMYK, which may result in unexpected color shifts.

Pantone (PMS) Matching

If your brand requires exact color matching, please build your files using Pantone Solid Coated swatches and notify our team of the specific PMS numbers you require.

3. Document Setup: Bleeds & Safe Areas

If your design has color, graphics, or images that extend all the way to the edge of the paper, you must include a "bleed" in your file to ensure no white edges remain after trimming.

  • Bleed Area: Extend backgrounds and artwork at least 0.125" (1/8 inch) past the final trim edge on all sides.
  • Safe Zone: Keep all critical text and logos at least 0.125" to 0.25" inside the final trim edge so nothing gets cut off during the bindery process.
  • Crop Marks: Please include standard crop marks when exporting your PDF.

4. Image Resolution

Low-resolution images pulled from websites will appear blurry or pixelated when printed commercially.

  • Standard Printing (Brochures, Reports, Flyers): All raster images must be at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) at their final printed size.
  • Large Format (Trade Show Exhibits, Banners, Signs): Because these are viewed from further away, images can be built at 100 to 150 DPI at their final full size.

5. Fonts & Typography

To avoid font substitution errors, which can completely alter the layout of your document:

  • PDFs: Ensure all fonts are fully embedded when exporting.
  • Illustrator/EPS: Select all text and choose "Create Outlines" before saving.
  • InDesign: Always use the "Package" function (File > Package) to generate a folder containing your document alongside all required document fonts and linked images.