Design and File Preparation Guide

Four essentials

File formats

A press-ready PDF is preferred for most jobs. We also accept common image and design formats when the product allows them. Keep an editable source copy. Flattened images are harder to correct, and linked files or fonts may be missing from native layouts. Multi-page work should be supplied as one PDF in reading order unless your product instructions say otherwise.

Bleed, trim and safe area

Extend backgrounds and photographs at least 0.125 inch beyond every trimmed edge. Keep important text, logos and faces at least 0.125 inch inside the trim, with more space for bound, folded or large-format work. Do not place a border close to the trim because small cutting variation can make it appear uneven.

Color and black

Prepare full-color artwork in CMYK. RGB and spot colors may be converted and can shift. Monitors emit light and do not exactly predict ink or toner on a physical material. For small black text, use 100 percent black rather than a four-color build. Ask the team before using rich black in large areas or when brand color is critical.

Resolution, fonts and transparency

• Use images near 300 pixels per inch at final size for close-viewed print.
• Large signs viewed from a distance may use lower effective resolution; ask us before enlarging a small image.
• Embed fonts or convert display type to outlines after preserving an editable copy.
• Flatten complex transparency when the workflow requires it and inspect the exported PDF.
• Avoid images copied from websites or screenshots when a high-resolution original is available.

Product-specific notes

Folded pieces and booklets

Keep content away from folds and binding. Saddle-stitched booklet page counts are normally multiples of four. Allow for the inside margin and possible page creep on thicker booklets.

Signs, banners and displays

Build artwork at final size or a clearly documented proportional scale. Keep important content away from hems, grommets, pole pockets, hardware and panel joins. Use vector logos where possible.

Labels and contour cuts

Supply a clear cut path when requested, allow space between artwork and the cut edge, and account for the color and texture of the applied surface.

Proofs are the final checkpoint

Review every page at useful magnification. Confirm spelling, dates, phone numbers, URLs, QR codes, image placement, folds, page order, quantity, material and finishing. Production uses the approved proof version. A digital proof shows content and placement but is not an exact physical color or material sample.