How to Prepare Print-Ready Files
Use this guide to set up your artwork correctly before uploading. Following these steps helps prevent delays, trimming issues, and unexpected print results.
Quick File Setup Checklist
Before you upload your artwork, make sure your file follows these core commercial printing requirements.
Correct Size
Build your file at the final trim size, not on a larger page.
300 DPI Minimum
All artwork should be high resolution at 300 DPI minimum.
0.125" Bleed
Add a 1/8 inch bleed on all sides for cutting purposes.
Safe Area
Keep important text and graphics away from the trim edge.
CMYK Color Mode
Convert RGB files to CMYK before uploading whenever possible.
Outline Fonts
Convert all fonts to outlines or paths before submission.
General Specifications
File Sizing
The final piece size before cutting or folding should match the document size listed under image size in your design program. For example, a 4" x 6" postcard should be set up on a 4" x 6" page, not on an 8.5" x 11" page.
Resolution should be set to 300 DPI minimum. You must allow a 0.125 inch bleed area for cutting purposes. For business cards, set the file size to 3.625" x 2.125". Keep all mission-critical text and graphics inside a safe area at least 1/8 inch from the edge.
If you are unsure about setup, download the appropriate product template before building your file.
Fonts
All fonts must be converted to outlines or paths before submission to avoid font substitution or missing type issues.
Software Setup
Adobe Photoshop
Files should be converted to CMYK and saved at a minimum of 300 DPI. If your artwork was created in RGB, convert it to CMYK before uploading. All of our printing is done in CMYK.
Adobe Illustrator
We accept Illustrator files older than version 8.0. Save all placed or embedded images as 300 DPI CMYK TIFF files with no LZW compression. If your images are linked instead of embedded, include the linked files with your Illustrator file.
Freehand or CorelDRAW
We do not support native Freehand or CorelDRAW files. CorelDRAW files must be exported as EPS files or Adobe Illustrator AI files. Include all fonts used in the document, or rasterize the final artwork to a TIFF or JPEG.
Other Applications
Your design program must be able to export files in one of these formats: EPS or PDF as a postscript file, EPS or AI as a vector file, or a bitmapped image such as TIFF or JPEG at 300 DPI at a 1:1 size ratio.
Microsoft Publisher
We cannot open native Publisher files. If you are using Microsoft Publisher, save your file as a 300 DPI JPEG before uploading.
- Open your file and go to the File menu.
- Click Save As.
- Change the file extension from .pub to .jpg.
- Before saving, change the resolution to 300 DPI commercial print resolution.
- Repeat the process for both sides if your project is double-sided.
Proofing Responsibility
By the time your job reaches our team, all edits should be finalized, the copy should be carefully proofread, and all design decisions should be approved. We are not responsible for proofreading submitted files and cannot accept responsibility for copy or design errors contained in customer artwork.
Our team can help you get your artwork ready for print
If you need help with bleeds, sizing, color mode, or file preparation, contact unpoildanslamain before placing your order.