Artwork Guidelines
The following is provided to assist you with your artwork preparation. If you have a specific problem that is not covered in this guide, or have other questions, please feel free to contact us. Remember that artwork files that are not prepared properly can lead to issues in production.
Quick Checklist
►All fonts are included (or embedded in the PDF)
►Type is legible
►Page layout is correct
►Margins are set, and the safe area respected; bleeds accommodated
►Artwork matches the specified dimensions.
►All linked files, images, and fonts are embedde►Colors in CMYK mode.
Bleeds
Any images, blocks of colour or lines that are to bleed off the edge of the sheet should extend 1/8″ beyond the trim edge of the document, so that there will be no white space showing around the edge of the sheet after it’s printed. It is also best to keep text at least a 1/4″ away from the paper edge or the trim line. This will prevent issues that may occur in trimming.
Colour Accuracy
Screen previews are not a sure measuring tool for colour accuracy. Colours on the file might be affected by monitor calibration, screen resolution and lighting, just to name a few. Many Pantone colours show a marked colour shift when converted to four colour process. However we always aim to acheive the best possible result and ask that you acknowledge this by managing your expectations accordingly.
To achieve the closest to desired colour on press, digital files should reflect accurate colour models and percentages. Please make sure all colours are in CMYK mode.
Image Resolution
►All images and pictures should be 300 dpi (at 100% of the reproduction size).
►Rasterized text or logos should be 1200 dpi (at 100% of the reproduction size).
►Screen values (if applicable) should be between 133 lpi and 150 lpi
Digital Proofs
Digital PDF proofs intend to show you the layout and design elements of your job, but cannot be a guarantee of colour accuracy. If colour accuracy is of extreme importance to you, please ask for a hard copy proof. (extra time and charges will apply). If you need to scan artwork to create your file, scan all transparencies and line art at 100% of final size unless data size is prohibitive. If such a case occurs, scan at 1/4 or 1/2 of the final size.