We have prepared the following guide to assist you with your electronic file preparation and submission. If you have a specific problem that is not covered in this guide, or have other questions, please feel free to contact us. Improperly prepared files can cause delays in manufacturing.

PDF files are our preferred file type for print-ready files. 

Make sure that your PDF is the same size as the product that is being ordered, i.e., order is for 5x7 invitations, artwork is 4x6.

Please include crop marks and bleeds. 

Bleeds

A 1/8" (.125) border must be added to pictures and designs bleeding to the edge, so that there is no white space or border showing around the artwork. It is also important to keep text at least a 1/4" (.25) away from the paper edge or the trim line to prevent accidental cropping.

Color Specifications

Print previews are not a safe and sure measuring tool for color accuracy. Colors on the file might be effected by monitor calibration, screen resolution and lighting, just to name a few. Using Pantone colors can be an accurate way to make sure your branding colors are properly implemented in the printing process.

To achieve the desired color on printer, digital files must reflect accurate color models and percentage. Please make sure all colors are in CMYK mode for color accuracy and a better quality output.

Image Resolutions 

►All images and pictures should be 300 dpi.

►Rasterized text or logos should be 1200 dpi.

►Screen values should be between 133 lpi and 150 lpi.

Guidelines by Application 

The following outlines the specific file requirements by application. PDF files are the preferred file type we accept. If you have any questions, please contact our graphics department.

Canva

►Resize - Resize the design to the dimensions you want the final product to be

You will see the Resize button in the top left corner of your Canva project. Here you can choose your units of measurement and change the size.

►Bleeds - File, Settings, Show Print Bleed

If there are elements or images on the edge of the page and do not want any white showing when cut, the images and elements will need to go past the cut edge.

►Export - Once you are happy with your design, you can export Canva to PDF.

Here’s how:

►In the top right corner of your project, click Share and then Download.

►Under File type, choose PDF Print.

►Check Crop marks and bleed. This will automatically add the bleed area to your PDF file. 

►Check Flatten PDF

►Under Color Profile choose CMYK and then click Download.

►Lastly, open the PDF you just made and make sure everything looks correct.

Adobe Photoshop

►Files should be at least 300 dpi at 100% of actual size for quality reproduction.

►Files should be saved in PDF format (embed all fonts and set the screen value to 133 lpi.)

Digital Proofs

We provide PDF files as electronic soft proofs. These digital proofs intend to show you the layout and design elements of your job, but cannot be a guarantee of color accuracy. If color accuracy is of extreme importance to you, please ask for a hard copy proof. 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 final size.  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 final size.