Design Tips

If you have questions at all about how to best design your project, please do not hesitate to call or email us! Below are general design guidelines that apply primarily to business and social printing. Large format printing may have different graphics requirements as the processes are a slightly different, so please call for clarification or if you have questions about your project.

Color Accuracy

We require all submitted graphic design files to be saved in CMYK to ensure color accuracy. RGB files that are submitted will be converted to CMYK and you will receive a proof prior to printing. Please keep in mind that images / colors will appear differently on your computer monitor than they will printed in CMYK or Pantone Spot colors.

Font and Text Tips

If you are working in a vector-based software like InDesign, Quark, or Illustrator, all text must be converted to outlines before generating the final .pdf file. If you are working out of Photoshop, simply flatten the image.

Resolution

For an image to print properly, its resolution must be at least 300 dots per inch (DPI) at the final output size. Files with higher resolutions are accepted, but not necessary, as it will not improve the printed quality of your project. Vector files are preferred for large format printing.

File Size

All of your design files need to be built to the final cut-trim size, PLUS a bleed allowance of 1/8” on each side if the artwork bleeds off the page. That means your file should be 1/4″ larger than the actual finished size of the project you are designing. (Example: A 6×9 postcard should be built as a 6.25” x 9.25” graphic file.)

Safety Zone

We strongly suggest that your designs do not place any text or images in the safety zone — an imaginary space 1/8″ from the final trim size. Text or content in the safety zone can be cut off when your printed document is trimmed.

Typos and Grammar

We always suggest taking a second look to proofread the document you are about to print. While we do certainly review your project before printing, we assume no responsibility for typographical errors or grammatical mistakes.

Acceptable File Formats

  • Adobe Acrobat – .PDF (Print/Save as Press Quality)
  • Adobe Illustrator – .AI
  • Adobe InDesign – .INDD (packaged file)
  • Adobe Photoshop – .PSD
  • Bitmap File Format – .BMP
  • EPS – .EPS
  • Joint Photographic Experts Group File Format – .JPEG
  • Microsoft Publisher – .PUB
  • Microsoft Word – .DOC
  • QuarkXpress – .QXD
  • Tagged Image – .TIF