PDF Files are our preferred format as this file format is complete and self-contained. All graphics, text and fonts are part of the PDF making it simple and reliable to proof and print.
For most print output please save all files at 300 dpi and embed all fonts. The only exception to this is for wide format printing (i.e. posters, banners, signage etc.) where 100-150 dpi is acceptable. Alternatively, vector artwork, which is resolution independent, can be provided.
No artwork marks, crop marks or color bars are needed, so please ensure these are not included in your files.
Adobe Photoshop CS5 or below: TIF, EPS, JPG or PSD at 300 dpi resolution or greater. Please flatten your Photoshop document prior to sending to avoid any font substitutions.
Adobe Illustrator CS5 or below: EPS or AI file format (please provide any linked images) All fonts must be converted to outlines to avoid font substitutions. Vector artwork is acceptable for standard or wide format output but please ensure any placed graphics contained within the file are of sufficient resolution.
Microsoft Publisher 2010 or below: Please put all images and fonts related to your job in one folder. Make sure to use high resolution (300 dpi) images, not images downloaded form the internet as they are typically not of sufficient resolution. ZIP or SIT compress the entire folder and send the compressed file.
Microsoft Office Programs 2010 or below: Make sure to use high resolution (300 dpi) images, not images downloaded form the internet as they are typically not of sufficient resolution. Please put all images and fonts related to your job in one folder. ZIP or SIT compress the entire folder and send the compressed file.
Vector Files: AI, PDF, EPS
- Fonts converted to curves or included
- Placed images included (if applicable)
High Resolution Files: PDF, JPG, PSD, TIF, EPS
- Flattened images or fonts included
- 300 dpi required for most applications
- 150 dpi for large format printing
Font Usage
All fonts must be converted to outlines whenever possible to avoid font substitutions, for PDF files make sure to include all fonts in the file. Please include font files if these alternatives are not possible.
Bleeds and Crop Marks
In order to get colour to the edges of your printed item, you need to have bleed area. All sizes require a 1/8" or a 0.125" extra of colour that will be cut off during trimming.
To make sure none of your information is cut off during trimming please keep all text and non-bleed images, 1/8" or .125" in from the edge for safety. If you intend for an image to extend beyond the edge of the item please be aware that trimming may vary and do not place images in such a way that slight variations will greatly impact the desired look.
File Preparation Fees
If your files are not provided in a suitable, print-ready format our designers may be able to work with them to prepare them for you. This is not always possible, but with your consent, we will make every effort to print as close to the intended appearance as possible. This service will be billed at $54 per hour and you will be informed if there are file issues prior to any billable work beginning.
If your artwork was designed by our staff you will not incur any file preparation fees.
In order to produce the highest quality product possible, we must begin with quality resources, including your logo and other graphic elements you wish to include. Please provide any specific logos, graphics, photos and so on in vector format (when possible) or at 300 dpi at as large a size as possible. We are able to reduce graphical elements to suit the application, but increasing their size will result in rapid quality loss and as such large initial files are the most flexible.
Files may be formatted as a PDF, TIFF, EPS, JPG, JPEG, AI, or PSD.
If you require any further information on file preparation please contact us at your convenience.
