Artwork Guidelines
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.
Quick Checklist
There are a few things everyone should check before uploading artwork to print:
- Make sure your artwork is set to the correct dimensions (WxH)
- Keep the important elements of your artwork within a ¼ inch margin along the inside of your file.
- There are some exceptions, but most printed products require at least ½ inch of “bleed” along the outside of the art file.
- We recommend using vector files whenever possible. Otherwise, try to keep image resolution 250 dpi or greater.
- Colors should be in CMYK mode.
- We recommend saving your files, images, and fonts in your own separate folders.
- We accept most common file types, but whenever possible, you should upload your design as a PDF.
Bleeds
A 1/2" border must be added to 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" away from the paper edge or the trim line to prevent accidental cropping.
Color Specifications
To achieve the desired color on press, 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. Note that any design uploaded with Pantone or RBG colors will be converted to CMYK, causing the coloration to vary slightly on the printed version.
Image Resolutions
We always recommend using vector graphics (PDF, EPS, SVG, AI). Vector images can scale to print at any size without appearing grainy or pixelated. As a general rule, all rasterized (non-vector) images, pictures, backgrounds, text, and logos should be at least 250 dpi. DPI stands for “dots per inch” and is essentially the print equivalent to ppi (or pixels per inch). The closer the viewing distance, the higher your dpi should be. We’ve done some research on the smallest resolution an average person with 20/20 vision could discern and still keep edges in an image looking "sharp" depending on viewing distance. If you take the viewing distance (in feet) and divide that into 1000 it will give you a minimum DPI for that viewing distance. For example, 1000 / 20 ft = 50 DPI. You actually wouldn't be able to discern the individual pixels at a 3rd of that resolution (15 DPI) but the apparent sharpness is adversely affected below 50 DPI.
Digital Proofs