Please provide us with a PDF file.

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Please follow the steps below to ensure that no additional labor will be required to setup your document for print.

File Setup

1. Convert your document to CMYK color mode.

The color mode of submitted files must be CMYK. If your files are submitted using any other color standard, such as RGB or Pantone, they will be converted to CMYK. Conversion from one color standard to another may cause colors to shift due to gamut constraints. By having you do your own conversion, you can control the color result of your printed piece.

2. Verify that your document has a resolution of at least 300 ppi.

To ensure a high-quality print, we ask that you please save your document with a resolution of 300 ppi or greater. Also, be certain that any embedded files within your document, such as images and graphics, have also been saved at a resolution of 300 ppi or greater.

3. If your document requires a full bleed print, verify that you’ve included an 1/8" background extension around your entire final cut size.

This applies if the color/design in your document extends to the edge. In order to print a color to the edge of a sheet of paper, we must actually print on a larger size sheet, and then cut the paper down to size. If your image is not white on all four sides, you MUST include bleeds in your files. Add a quarter of an inch (.25") to each dimension to allow for cutting. For example, for a 3.5" X 2" business card with full bleed, the image size should be submitted at 3.75" x 2.25."

4. Verify that any important information is 1/8" inside your Final Cut Size.

Your type (text) should be an 1/8” inside your final cut size on each side. Anything near the edge may be cut off during trimming. The cutting process for printed materials has a mechanical tolerance of about .0625 or 1/16 of an inch.

Borders

We recommend no borders due to shifting in the cutting process, borders may appear uneven. If you must have a border in your artwork, it is essential that your design use at least .25 or 1/4 of an inch of white space from your border to the cut line to maintain a symmetric appearance. If the border is solid, and bleeds to the edge of the card, be sure to include bleeds with your file. If you are using a line border, be sure to make the line at least .25” thick to assure the line prints correctly.

5. Please flatten your document.

This applies only if you are using Adobe Photoshop.

6. Please embed all fonts, otherwise be sure to send us each individual font file that will be referenced in your PDF.

You can avoid this by "outlining" the text in Adobe Illustrator or "rasterizing" the text in Adobe Photoshop before saving to PDF.

7. Verify that all strokes and rules are 0.25 pt. or greater in weight.

Any line that is less than this value may not print properly or may be converted improperly by our servers.

8. Export your document as a high-resolution PDF file.

If possible, avoid using compression.

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