FAQs
CUSTOMER SUPPLIED ARTWORK
PRINT READY FILE FORMATS ACCEPTED
The following print ready files should be provided in PDF format, with crop marks and bleeds built in. Bleeds can be project specific so please talk to your rep for details. When submitting print ready files, please be sure to either package your file or outline all fonts and embed all linked images. We are PC based, so all MAC fonts need to be ‘outlined' in the native application.
For us to help build your art, we accept: .TIF, .TIFF, .EPS*, .AI*, .PSD*, .JPG, .JPEG, .INDD*, and .PDF. We will help design your piece using your provided art, and send you a proof for review. All proofs must be approved in writing prior to production.
PROOF
Prices include processing one set of uploaded files and creating one digital proof (PDF). Once we receive your uploaded file(s), each file will be reviewed. If we have any questions or find errors, we will contact you.
RESOLUTION
A minimum of 300dpi (dot per inch) resolution is required for all file formats. Keep in mind, images designed for websites are done at a low screen resolution of 72dpi. Print images need to be created at a minimum of 300dpi for a quality image to be produced.
COLOR MODE
All color images and artwork must be provided in CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) color mode, and colors should be set to "Spot" color. All black and white images and/or artwork must be provided in grayscale color mode. Colors printed will not be a perfect match to what you see on your computer monitor. If you are looking for a particular color, please call and we will come meet with you to help pick colors from our Pantone book for you to use in your design.
BLEED
Please build your press-ready digital files with a 0.25" bleed for most products that do not have a white border. For example, if you desire your finished product to be 4" x 6", please create a file that is 4.25" x 6.25", that contains crop marks at the 4" and 6". Please note that images exceeding desired finished size will be cut off. We will send you a PDF proof of your product at finished trim size to make sure all content you want included is included.
SUPPORTED APPLICATIONS
We are currently using Adobe Creative Suite. It is strongly suggested that files be sent to us created in one of these programs. We consider Adobe products to be powerful graphics tools and industry-standards for the printing business.
FILE FORMATS NOT SUPPORTED
This list contains programs or file types we cannot use. Many of these applications do not offer the advanced features needed to properly process electronic art files. This list has been compiled from previous jobs and does not include all unacceptable file types: Claris Works, Corel DRAW!, Freehand, Microsoft Excel*, Microsoft Paint, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Publisher*, Microsoft Word*, Microsoft Works, ScanVec CASMate, Paintshop Pro, PrintShop Deluxe, Word Perfect.
*If you are using these file types, you can attempt to make a PDF out of your document for use, or you can provide us the native file, fonts used (or list of them) and images, we will do our best to re-create it for you.
If you have any questions, call us at 503-649-0168 when you start the design process. We'll be happy to help where we can, and explain how crop marks and outlined text are done if you're unfamiliar with the Adobe Programs.