What file types are acceptable for print?

Print ready files include: .pdf, .eps, .ai (Adobe Illustrator,) .indd (Adobe InDesign,) .psd (Adobe Photoshop,) .pm (Page Maker,) .pub (Microsoft Publisher,) .qxd (Quark,) hi-resolution .jpgs and .tiffs can be printed from, but are not the perfered format.

Files from Microsoft Office, including .doc, .docx (Microsoft Word,) .xls (Microsoft Excel,) .ppt (Power Point) are not print ready files and may incur delays in production and/ or charges for file changes or type setting in order to be prepared for print. In order to avoid delays or additional charges please save as, print as, or export as a PDF or another acceptable file format.

How should I set up my files and artwork?

Convert all files to CMYK. RGB Color is not print appropriate and may create difficulties in production.
Image Resolution: 300 dpi or higher whenever possible in order to ensure the highest level of quality.
Color Matching: We cannot attempt color matching without supplied samples. We will run industry standard ink densities on the press for both PMS colors and four color process. If your project requires an exception to this, it must be clarified and approved before production begins.

Fonts
Convert fonts to outlines/paths whenever possible, if fonts cannot be outlined, or embeded please send all font files associated with the fonts you are using.

Documents
Set up artwork in a page layout program (Illustrator or InDesign) whenever possible.
Set up files to size. If you don’t, send positioning information.
Include at least 1/8" bleed when necessary.

Files
Send all files being used – fonts, graphics, etc.
Commands such as “Collect for Output” (QuarkXPress) and “Package” (InDesign) gather all needed links and fonts.
Send ONLY the files we need.
You may send your art file via: disk, e-mail, ready to scan, repeat order or requiring typesetting.

PDF’s
Make them the correct size.
Embed all fonts.
Use correct colors.
Be sure to have 1/8" bleed in artwork for all sides on which copy is to bleed.

What is a bleed?

A bleed is a 1/8th inch (or more) margin around artwork required in order to trim sheets and keep color on the entire page (or to any edge.) When a sheet goes through a press it must have a portion which can be grabbed by a gripper/ roller. Because of this no printing can occure on the gripper. So when we want color to the edge we must print on a larger sheet with the bleed, then we cut it down to the desired size.