Artwork Guidelines

Accepted Files

We accept .pdf, .ai, .eps, .psd, .tif, .tiff, .jpg and .jpeg files but prefer .pdf and .eps files with outlined fonts with the front and back clearly labled in the file name.

Please make sure you have only ONE design per file (no PDFs with multiple pages)

Accepted Programs

Adobe Illustrator - CS or newer - Save as .PDF - Convert text to outlines.
Photoshop - CS or newer - Export file as .PDF
InDesign - CS or newer - Save as .PDF
Quark XPress - 7.0 or newer - Export file as .PDF - Send all fonts

Fonts

Do not send PC fonts. Convert text to paths, curves or outlines (vector art). List all font names.

Color

All files need to be in CMYK color mode.

Resolution

All files must be at 300dpi.

Bleed

Bleed is when the graphics extend all the way to the edge of the printed product. Professional printers cut many of the cards down to the final size at one time after they have been printed. They are quite accurate, however even a very slight shifting of the card during the cutting process can leave an unsightly white line along one or two sides of the card. To prevent this we require that you extend your graphics out just 1/16" of an inch in each direction and keep any text and graphics that you absolutely don't want to get cut 1/16" inside the "cut line". The cut line is where the final cut will be made on the card.

So if you are creating artwork for a 4" x 6" post card, you would need to create a file with the dimensions of 4.125" x 6.125" at 300dpi and in CMYK color mode. Then make sure that your text and important graphics don't come within 0.125" (1/8") of the edge

We can provide templates for each product that can help you layout your artwork to ensure your design turns out the way you intended. Just contact us for a template or if you have any questions.

Borders

Because of the possibility of slight shifting during the cutting process borders are discouraged close to the edge as they can appear uneven after cutting. If borders are required, they should be as at least 1/4" from the edge.

Rich Black and making sure your Blues don't come out Purple

To get a deep, dark, rich black set your blacks to C60 M40 Y40 K100 instead of just K100. It will print darker and be far more satisfying.

For blues, be sure there is at least a 30% difference between your Cyan and Magenta values or you will risk your blues appearing purple. For example, instead of C100 M100 Y0 K0, try C100 M70 Y0 K0.