File Requirements

Bleed

If you want your design to reach the edge of the printed page (no white margin), the digital file you send must have the colors or image stretched or "bleeding" 0.125" additional on all 4 sides past the cut line. If you have a white border on your print, you don't need a bleed.

Safety Zone

All critical elements (text, images, logos, etc.) must be kept in the safety zone at least 0.125" on all 4 sides within the cut line (or final size of the printed product) to prevent them from being cut off.

Resolution

300 dpi resolution or higher. Avoid taking low-resolution pictures from the web — they are usually 72 dpi or lower.

Fonts

Outline your fonts to avoid font changes from computer to computer. Font size should be 8 points or more for legibility in print.

Colors

• For full-color print jobs, convert all RGB and Pantone spot colors to CMYK color mode.
• For black and white print jobs, use grayscale color mode (not CMYK or RGB).
• For 1- or 2-color jobs, use Pantone spot colors.
• For small or precise black text, use "standard black."
• For black backgrounds and large areas of black, use "rich black."

File Format

Save your file as a high-resolution PDF (with bleeds and crop marks if applicable).

Borders

We recommend no borders because shifts in the cutting process can cause borders to look uneven. However, if you insist on having borders, they should be at least 1/4" inside each cut line or 3/8" inside each bleed line.

Transparency

Never use shadows, glows, or any other transparency (image or otherwise) on top of a spot color. Always convert your spot color to CMYK for full color jobs and flatten all transparencies before sending.