We can accept a variety of file formats. However, not all file formats are created equally. Please use the sections below to determine what format your files should be saved in.

Preferred

PDF:

If possible, use the PDF Preset found in the Downloads section of our website. If you are unable to use our presets, use the highest quality output settings available in your application. We strongly recommend using one of the PDF/X standards wherever possible. These include PDF/X-4, PDF/X-3, and PDF/X-1a. Always check your PDF before sending it to make sure it wasn't output with any errors.

Acceptable

Adobe InDesign:

Submit InDesign documents by using the Package feature. When packaging the document, be sure to check the boxes to copy fonts, copy linked graphics, and update graphic links.

Adobe Illustrator:

If your version of Illustrator supports it, use the Package feature. Be sure that copy links and copy fonts are enabled. If your version of Illustrator does not have the Package feature, embed all images and outline all text before submitting.

EPS:

Embed all images and outline all text before submitting.

Acceptable But Not Recommended

Photoshop/TIFF:

Make sure your document is at least 300 dpi if possible.

JPG/PNG/BMP:

Make sure your document is at least 300 dpi if possible.

Not Recommended

Microsoft Office or Open Office (Publisher, Word, Powerpoint, Excel): We can open the files and convert them to PDF, however the appearance of these files may change depending on what machine they're being opened on. A proof will be required before printing.

File Formatting Guidelines

To avoid any delays in the printing process, please follow these guidelines. If you are just starting your project, we recommend that you review all of the sections here and ask us if you have any questions before you begin designing. You can also download or use our interactive templates for common layouts on our website.

Document Size and Bleed

Make sure the size of your document matches the finished size of your piece. Artwork that goes to the edge of your document should extend at least 1/8 inch past the edge (at least 1/4 inch on jobs larger than 12x18). If your design program does not allow you to specify bleed, you may need to make your document size larger to include the bleed area. Please consult your program’s help documentation for more information in regards to bleed.

Margins

We strongly recommend that any artwork not going to the edge of the sheet be at least 1/8 inch from the edge of the page (1/4 inch on jobs larger than 12x18). If necessary, objects can be as close as 1/16 inch (1/8 inch on jobs larger than 12x18). However, borders should always be at least 1/8 inch from the edge (1/4 inch on jobs larger than 12x18).

Resolution

To maintain the best quality when printing, always use vector image formats where possible. For any raster images you use, try to use images that are at least 300 dpi at the size you would like to use them. For jobs larger than 12x18, images that are at least 150 dpi are preferred, but images as low as 72 dpi are acceptable.

Color

All files submitted should use the CMYK color space. If any spot colors are being used, they should be applied using a standard Pantone number from the Pantone Solid Coated or Uncoated books. Anything that is submitted in RGB will be converted to CMYK before printing.

Crop Marks

Crop marks (or any other type of marks for that matter) are not required on files we receive so long as the artwork is centered on the page and the finished size is provided. In fact, sometimes the crop marks used on jobs we receive are set up incorrectly and result in delaying the job. However, if you do want to include crop marks in your files, please be sure that the offset for your marks are equal to or greater than the amount of bleed being used. The default offset setting used in Adobe applications is too small.