Artwork Guidelines
File Specifications for Thermography, Flat, Foil, Embossing, Full Color, and Stationery.
Accepted file types: PDF or EPS from Adobe® InDesign®, Illustrator CS2® (or before), Photoshop®.
How to prepare your file:
- Size your layout to your product’s required document/page size.
- For thermography or flat printing, use a PANTONE® color palette to assign spot colors. For full color printing, use CMYK color space.
- Use high-resolution graphics at a minimum of 300 dpi. For best printing quality, we recommend 600 dpi.
- Embed or convert all your fonts to outlines, curves, or paths.
- Remove any crop marks or bounding boxes.
- Export, save, publish or print to a PDF file.
Tips on scanning images: Scan photos at a minimum of 300 dpi and line art at a minimum of 600 dpi. Scan the image at the intended finished size. Scan gradients at a minimum of 300 dpi at 120 lines per inch.
Second side (back) printing: Create a 2-page PDF, making the first page the FRONT and the second page the BACK.
Multiple units: For multiple units with single-side printing, create a multiple-page PDF with one name on each page. For multiple units with printing on both sides, create a 2-page PDF for each name.
Multiple files: Compress the files into one file with WinZip for Windows OS. You can download this file at: www.winzip.com .
Adding foil to full color: To prepare your full color with foil file, you’ll need a program that will create a PDF that supports layers. Prepare your artwork file with a separate layer for the foil area. Indicate the piece to foil stamp in the additional instructions of the upload process.
Embossing special instructions: To prepare your embossing file, you’ll need a program that will create a PDF that supports layers. Prepare your artwork file with a separate layer for the embossed area. Indicate the piece to emboss in the additional instructions of the upload process.
Checklist for sending orders
- Convert fonts to outlines.
- Check color palette.
- Verify color separations.
- If your artwork bleeds off the edge, allow for trimming.
- Export as a PDF with bleeds.
Artwork FAQs
Q. I need help with my artwork file. What should I do?
Visit our Artwork Guidelines section for instructions on preparing your file. You can also call us at 360-458-5099 and one of our order specialists will assist you.
Q. Why is it important to scan images at the correct finished size?
Resolution and image quality are poor if an image is scanned at its original size and then enlarged in your graphics program. Scan the image at greater than 100% to match the intended final size. For example, if the original image is an inch wide and it needs to be three inches, scan at 300%. It's always better to scan too large than to scan too small. An image can be reduced with no loss in quality, but quality will be lost when enlarging a scan.
Q. What types of files do you accept?
We accept PDF or EPS files from Adobe® InDesign®, Illustrator® CS2, Photoshop®.
Q. Do I need to embed fonts?
Yes, embed or convert all fonts to outlines, curves, or paths.
Q. What is a bleed?
A bleed occurs when the printed image extends off one or more edges of the card.
Q. What CMYK values do you suggest for rich black, Reflex Blue, and flag blue?
Rich Black: C=60% M=40% Y=40% K=100%
Reflex Blue: C=100% M=80% Y=17% K=20%
Flag Blue: C=100% M=72.2% Y=0% K=5.9%
Q. How do I upload more than two files?
If you have more than two files to upload, you will need to compress the files into one with either WinZip for Windows OS. If you do not have this program, you can obtain it at: www.winzip.com.
Q. What is the correct page size when ordering?
The correct page size is determined by the product. You can call us for more information and we can send you a template if necessary.