File Prep

File Preparation
Tips and Tricks

1. Don’t place text or graphics too close to the edge

We need room for cutting and finishing your project and there could be a very small shift (less than 1/2 mm) in the artwork during printing. The closer your text or graphics are to the edge (unless you have built them to bleed) the more challenging it is to make it look great. A general rule of thumb is to allow 1/8” margin around all sides of the piece.

2.  Text prints better as vector art

Use vector based art programs such as Adobe InDesign or Illustrator (QuarkXpress or Freehand) to get great looking text and sharp lines on your brochure, booklet or marketing collateral. Photoshop is a great design program for adding special effects to your piece. However if you want sharp, crisp text and lines its best if its placed into your Vector-based application.

3. Resolution makes a difference

Make sure that you optimize your photo. Resolution should be a minimum of 300 dpi at the size that you are printing. This will ensure that the image will print at the highest quality.

4. Fonts can be problematic

Since the world consists of several kabazillion fonts, there are times that we may not have what you really want. Saving your document with the fonts saved as outlines will eliminate these issues. You can also include the fonts with your artwork if that works best for you.

5. What about MS Word?

Microsoft has made it easy for you to create just about anything. Although we will work with essentially all file types, unforeseen formatting problems can arise and slow down production. We prefer a print-ready PDF.

6. RGB vs. CMYK vs. Pantone

Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) are additive colors and are primarily used in digital media such as televisions and monitors. When you create or manipulate files in the digital environment, you are using RGB. Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black on the other hand are subtractive colors and are the colors used in commercial printing. In order to print your file you will need to convert it to CMYK. Because all monitors are calibrated differently, what you see is not always what you get. If your artwork requires a particular color, the Pantone Matching System (PMS color) may be what you need for optimal results.