File Preparation Guidelines for Digital Printing

We prefer PDF or Adobe native documents with the following specifications:

PDF

• PDF/X-4 with crop marks and 1/8” bleed

• RGB embedded color space for photos

• All fonts embedded or outlined

• Die lines (vector path) for custom cutting

Native Application

• Adobe Creative Suite applications

• RGB embedded color space for photos

• All document fonts

• All document links

• Die lines (vector path) for custom cutting

• 1/8” (0.125”) bleed

File Resolution

When using photographic images, aim for a resolution of 150 – 300ppi at the finished print size. For photos larger than 36x48, 200ppi is sufficient. View your files at 100% in an image application such as Photoshop or Acrobat. This will give you a good representation of how the file will print.

Color Matching

Please indicate Pantone swatches to be matched by selecting the PMS color in the digital file. Please use the proper Pantone name provided in the swatches section of your application. Not all Pantone colors can be accurately reproduced in digital printing and keep in mind that color appearance will vary in different lighting.

Overprint vs Knockout

Overprint is when colors are printed over each other and could cause an unexpected result. Knockout is the opposite of overprinting. A knockout removes a portion of the bottom image so when two colors overlap, they don’t normally print on top of each other.

Proofing

If you have access to Acrobat Pro you can use the Output Preview and Preflight options to better prepare and preflight your file. Monitor proofing is a mechanism that allows you to view on your computer monitor what your print will look like when it is on paper. This relies on monitor calibration and color management. Please contact us if you have specific questions about your files and color management. Physical proofing is available, please contact us for availability and pricing.

Final Check

Be sure to check over your files before submitting:

  • Document size is correct

  • Bleed is pulled out 1/8”

  • Spot colors are applied and named correctly

  • Fonts are embedded, outlined, or included with files

  • Links are included with native files

  • A low-res PDF proof is sent with files.