Art Guidelines

ARTWORK GUIDELINES FOR PRINT

To ensure the highest quality print results, please follow these specifications when preparing your artwork. Artwork should be submitted from Adobe Suite software (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign). Contact us before starting if you are unfamiliar with a specific process. Request specifications for the product you are designing.

File Format

  • Preferred file formats: PDF (print-ready), Ai, EPS, or INDD (with packaged fonts and linked images).
  • Photoshop files should be flattened if possible, or include layers if adjustments are needed.
  • Avoid non-standard formats such as Word, PowerPoint, or low-resolution image files (JPG/PNG from web sources).

Document Setup

  • Size: Set to the final trimmed size of your product.
  • Bleed: Minimum of 1" bleed on all sides.
  • Safe Zone: Keep all text and important graphics at least 1" inside the trim edge.
  • Crop Marks: Include crop marks for trimmed pieces.

Color

  • Print Color Mode: CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black).
  • Spot Colors: Use Pantone (PMS) colors if specific brand colors are required; include PMS references.
  • RGB Files: Convert to CMYK before submission. RGB colors may shift when converted by printer.
  • Black: Use 100% K for black text. Avoid combining CMY for black text to prevent registration issues.
  • Please keep all color profiles consistent across your project's collateral images. Mismatched profiles can cause unexpected color shifting and/or inconsistent output. New files will be requested if color spaces do not match.
  • If color needs to be consistent with previous order please include this information on your purchase order.
  • If a Pantone color is specified but coated or uncoated is not, our default is coated.
  • Colors such as fluorescents, neons, and metallics cannot be replicated. Please choose a complimentary standard Pantone color.

Resolution

  • Raster Images: Minimum 300 dpi at final print size.
  • Line Art / Vector: 100% scalable vector graphics preferred for logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Low-resolution images (less than 300 dpi) may appear pixelated or blurry in print.

Fonts

  • Embed or Outline Fonts:
  • Illustrator: Convert fonts to outlines.
  • InDesign: Package the file including fonts.
  • Photoshop: Rasterize text layers or provide font files.

Images and Links

  • Linked Images: Ensure all linked images are included when submitting InDesign or Illustrator files.
  • File Formats: TIFF or PSD preferred for raster images. JPEGs acceptable if high-quality (max compression).
  • Transparency: Flatten transparency in files to avoid printing issues.

Layers

  • Keep artwork organized with clear layer names.
  • Flatten layers in Photoshop where possible, but retain editable vector layers in Illustrator if adjustments may be needed.

Special Effects

  • Gradients & Shadows: Test gradients and shadows in CMYK, as colors may shift.

Click here to download a copy of these detailed art guidelines.

Please contact us for further information.