If you are printing on our digital press, make sure your document is using CMYK color (not RGB) and convert all Spot colors to Process colors before creating your PDF.
If your files require printing with a “spot” color, use the Pantone Color naming convention. Please delete all unused colors in your document. (Rich Black Recipe: C:60%, M:40%, Y:40%, K:100%)
Color
If you have any objects printing to the edge of the page, we require these objects to have bleed set at least 1/8-inch. If a bleed is required, set your PDF file ¼-inch larger than the final trim size. (i.e. If document is 8½” x 11”, the PDF size should be 8¾” x 11¼”).
If no bleed is required, then make your PDF its final trim size. Please do not include crop marks on your final PDF file.
Bleed
Avoid font styles (subset fonts). Use the actual font by name if you want your text bolded or italicized (i.e. “Helvetica Oblique”). No type smaller than 7 points should be used.
Fonts
Resolution – All images should be at least 300 dpi when used for printing. Images pulled from the internet are typically 72 dpi (low-resolution). Line art should be at least 1200 dpi.
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Color – All images being used in your document should be converted to CMYK.
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Ink Density – Keep the maximum ink density at 300.
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Compression – Do not apply compression to files (e.g. JPEG or LZW).
Images
If your direct mail or print project includes variable data, please set up the objects in your file exactly the way you want them to reproduce. This includes the location of the element, colors, font. Include all images and data files in a csv or xlsx format. If mailing, ensure that the naming, address, city, state and zip code information is consistent and complete.
Provide a final PDF copy of your document to refer to as we prepare your file for production.
Variable Data
Design & Prepress
Our Prepress services ensure that your print projects are meticulously prepared for production.
Design to Print-Ready Files
Great file preparation is key to achieving the outcomes you expect! Whether you build and submit your artwork or ask the Color Art Design team to help, structure matters. Rest assured we will review, advise and send to print production the highest quality files for the best outcomes!
If you’re creating your own files, here are some things to keep in mind so your project is produced correctly and on budget.
