File Preparation Tips
File Types
Please send PDF files for your print order. To send multiple files, please send a zipped file - follow the instructions in "Multiple Files" below. Max upload size is 1GB, and uploads of larger files may take several minutes - please be patient! Do not reduce file size, as this will degrade the quality of the image we are able to print for you. Max file name length is 90 characters; if your file name is longer than this, please rename before uploading.
Multiple Files
You can send us files up to 1GB in size through this ordering portal. If you have multiple files to include when ordering a single item, compress them to easily send to us with the "upload file" link on the product page. To compress or zip your files, first locate the files you want to send, then right click and select "send to" and then "compressed (zip) folder". A new zipped folder will be created that contains all of your selected files. When using the "file upload" link on this site, simply select that zipped folder to send multiple files with your order.
Bleed
Does your artwork contain images, text or graphics that extend to the very edge of the finished piece? This is called "bleeding off the edge" or simply "bleed". Files with bleed need to be designed to the final trim size plus 1/8" extra on each side for the bleed. Example, if you are ordering an 8.5" x 11" sell sheet, the graphic file's size should 8.75" x 11.25". When saving the file as a PDF before sending to us, include both crops marks and bleed. For more information on bleed, please see our Bleed Examples.
Borders
Does your piece contain a graphic or artistic border close to the paper edge? See related Bleed above and Safety Zone below. When paper is trimmed, there is a cutting tolerance of 1/16" which may result in uneven borders. For this reason we do not recommend borders. However, if they are necessary in your piece, the border should be at least 1/4" thick and at least 3/8" from the bleed line.
Color Mode
Does your file contain colors other than black? Files that contain color text, artwork or images must be saved in four color "CMYK" (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) color mode. Files submitted in the RGB or Pantone color mode will need to be converted to CMYK and will incur an additional fee. Note that converting RGB to CMYK will cause a color shift as they are not the same color spectrum.
Is your piece black and white? Files that are black and white must have all artwork or images in grayscale color mode.
Fonts
Are you using vector-based software such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Freehand or CorelDraw? For vector files such as these, all text must be converted to outlines before creating the PDF file you will send us for production. If you are using a bitmap-based (a.k.a. raster) software application such as Adobe Photoshop, simply flatten the image. Avoid font sizes smaller than 8pt or fonts that are very narrow as these may lack crispness or may not display well against dark backgrounds.
Image Resolution
While your computer screen will display low resolution images well, when printed they will look pixelated, blurry and jagged. For best printing results, a resolution of at least 300 dpi is recommend. Files with resolution lower than 300 dpi can be printed, but the results may be unsatisfactory.
Lines
Do you have lines on your piece? All lines should be at least .25 pts thick to make them printable. Thinner lines may display on your screen but be too thin to print.
Safety Zone
Does your piece have any images, text or other elements close to the page edge? If too close, it may get cut off. Establish a no-go "safety zone" of at least 1/8" from the edge of the final trim size. To avoid any images or text being cut off when the piece is trimmed, do not place them in the safety zone.
Size
Does your artwork contain images, text or graphics that extend to the very edge of the finished piece? This is called "bleeding off the edge" or simply "bleed". Files with bleed need to be designed to the final trim size plus 1/8" extra on each side for the bleed. Example: if you are ordering an 8.5" x 11" sell sheet with bleed, the digital file's size should 8.75" x 11.25". When saving the file as a PDF to send to us, include both crops marks and bleed.
