File types accepted for print:
If you are submitting your own print ready files, we can accept the following file formats:
Preferred: .PDF, .JPG, .TIF
Also accepted: .EPS, InDesign
Not accepted: Quark Files, Publisher files, Microsoft Word, Power Point – most of these applications have options to export .PDF files, which we will happily work with.
Please submit each side of your flyer as separate files. Please call if you have any questions about file formats.
Color Format (RGB vs. CMYK):
We do require all files to be submitted in CMYK format for printing:
Most graphics software programs give you the choice to work in either RGB or CMYK color mode. Scanners and digital cameras create images and computer monitors display images using combinations of just three colors: Red, Green and Blue (RGB). These are the primary colors of light, which computer monitors use to display images on your screen.
Offset printing presses print full color pictures and images using a different set of colors, the primary colors of pigment: Cyan (blue), Magenta (red), Yellow and Black (CMYK). This is "4-color process" or "full-color" printing that comprises the majority of magazines and marketing materials you see every day.
If you have not created your digital layout or design using CYMK color space to begin with, at some point your RGB file must be translated to CMYK in order to print it on a printing press
Bleed setup:
Due to the way our print run is set up, we ask that you send your files set up to the actual size you are ordering. Example: If you are requesting a 4"x6" postcard, please set the document size to 4"x6" in the program you are using to layout your file with at least 1/8 inch of bleed inside of that area.
Bleed is an area which can be cut without effecting the overall design of you project. We ask that you leave 1/8" inside the document size for bleed. This means, do not leave anything critical to your design within this area. This would include any text or images you don't want cut. Example: On a 4"x6" flyer do not place anything that you don't want cut within an 1/8" of the edge of your document. This effectively leaves a "live area" of 3.875"x5.875" on a 4"x6" flyer or postcard.
File resolution (DPI or Pixels per Inch):
Files must have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi (dots per inch). Images with a resolution less than 300 dpi will reproduce poorly when printed (the image will look fuzzy and/or pixilated). If you took your images from a website on the internet, they commonly will not contain high enough resolution for printing (unless the images came from a stock photography house and are designated high resolution).
The internet displays images at 72 dpi, so that the images appear quickly over an internet connection, but they should not be used for printing. If you submit low-resolution files for printing, the final print quality will be your own responsibility.
Color Matching:
Due to the process we use to set up our print runs, exact color matching is not possible. Our print quality is superb and we are very confident in the color quality, but due to the fact that your flyer will be run at the same time as other jobs, we can not color match to any single design. The nature of our printing system is to keep the printing cost down for our clients.
If you require a color proofing for you job, we can supply that, but the cost on your project will increase and possibly turnaround time. Please contact us for specifics.