The preferred file format for print art in 2025 is PDF.
When making your print PDF make sure to:
- embed all the fonts
- export with bleeds
- all images should be CMYK and at least 300dpi (150dpi might seem to print ok but not recommended for high end printing).
- compression is important, for optimal results make sure that the images are compressed without downsampling OR downsampled to at least 300dpi (ZIP compression or maximum quality JPG).
If we receive a file other than the required, you might have to incur further conversion charges (we will call you if this is the case, though your job might have to be delayed until this is finalized)
If you need to submit any other file format here are some tips that will help your print job not to be delayed:
.JPG or .JPEG – Photographic images. Note that most jpeg images downloaded from the web are low quality and unsuitable for printing. 300 dpi recommended.
.PSD – Adobe Photoshop. Flatten your layers before submitting your files. 300 dpi recommended.
.TIF or .TIFF – This graphic file format will retain the highest possible image quality. 300 dpi recommended.
.AI – Adobe Illustrator. Convert all fonts to outlines and embed any linked graphics (uploaded art preview will not be generated).
.EPS – Adobe Illustrator. Convert all fonts to outlines and embed any linked graphics (uploaded art preview might not display correctly).
.INDD – Adobe InDesign. WE DO NOT ACCEPT THIS FILE FORMAT
.QXD – QuarkXPress. WE DO NOT ACCEPT THIS FILE FORMAT
Bleed
Does your artwork contain images, text or graphics that extend the the very edge of the finished piece? This is called "bleeding off the edge" or simply "bleed". Files with bleed need to be built 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 into the proper format (preferably PDF), do not use any crop or printer's marks. These will increase the dimensions of the file. Professional file preparation and submission is also accepted, meaning the PDF can include a Trim Box and Bleed as well as crop marks, although in some cases, crop marks should be left off since our imposition software will add them and if they are instead included in the artwork, they have a chance of printing in unwanted places, like a booklet cover's face trim area.
Borders
Does you 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. Perfect trimming is not guaranteed.
Color Mode
Does your piece contain more than black color? 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. Note that converting RGB to CMYK will cause a color shift as they are not the same color spectrum.
If your four color (CMYK) order is supplied in spot colors, our software will convert the spot colors to CMYK using the U.S. Prepress Default (SWOP v.2) conversion.
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 CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, or Adobe Freehand? For vector files such as these all text could be converted to outlines before creating the file (preferably PDF) or you must ensure all the fonts are embedded. When converting vector fonts to outlines, all font issues should be resolved.
Are you using a bitmap-based (a.k.a. raster) software application such as Adobe Photoshop? For bitmap files such as these, simply flatten the image. Avoid font sizes smaller than 8 pts or fonts that are very narrow as these may not print, or will lack crispness, or may not display well against dark backgrounds. Most printing professionals prefer to not use fonts smaller than 6pt. since they are almost impossible to read by a human eye.
Image Resolution
While your computer screen will display low resolution images well, when printed they will look rough, 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 the the very edge of the finished piece? This is called "bleeding off the edge" or simply "bleed". Files with bleed need to be built 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 looks like 8.75" x 11.25". When saving the file into the proper format (preferably PDF) either make sure there is a trim box and bleeds, or the file is larger than the cut piece.
