Graphic Design Print Readiness
In order to help insure that your project goes smoothly, here is some further information regarding print readiness. These are the guidelines I reference in producing your artwork, and are good for you to know before and during our work together on your project. You don't need to know what all these terms mean, but if your project requires that you send me content such as text or photos, this info answers some of the requirements, such as image resolution and font sizes. Terms such as file sizes, trim, CMYK and color profiles are for me to worry about.
These standard "print ready" requirements were obtained from 48 Hour Print. This is also a very good print service if you are still looking for an online printer. If you wish for me to arrange printing for you as part of your job, this is the company I will use.
Color
All graphic files must be built using CMYK to ensure color accuracy prior to being uploaded. Files submitted in RGB or using PMS colors will be converted to CMYK, which could cause a slight color shift in the finished product. Files should also be built using the US Sheetfed Coated V2 color profile.
File Size
Files must be built to the final trim size plus bleed. This means files should be 0.25" larger than the product size that you are purchasing. (i.e. 2x3.5 business card = 2.25x3.75 graphic file). In the case of Envelopes, all text and images must be .375" from each final edge of the Envelope and images cannot bleed off the edge.
Crop Marks
Files must be saved without any crop marks as these marks will be considered part of the artwork and will end up being printed on the finished product.
Fonts/Text
Be certain that you are not using a font size smaller than 7pt. If working out of vector based software such as Illustrator, InDesign, or Freehand, all text must be converted to outlines before generating the final PDF file. If working out of Photoshop, simply flatten the image. When using MS Publisher for design and layout, it is important to ensure the photos, graphics, and fonts are embedded into the file.
Resolution
All images should be at least 300dpi. Submitting files with a lower resolution than 300dpi can make the image look pixilated and blurry.
Safety Zone
Do not place any critical images or text beyond the safety zone, which is at least 1/8" from the final trim size, in order to avoid it getting cut off when the finished piece is trimmed.
Typographical / Grammar Errors
Make sure you have proofread your artwork to ensure the spelling and grammar is correct.
Borders
If your graphic files contain a border the border must have a minimum 1/8" (0.125") from all surrounding edges. If you leave less than 1/8" (0.125"), your finished product may result in unequal borders from top to bottom and from side to side. This is due to the final cutting process in which some "draw" or "slippage" might occur. Ideally, you want to create the border with 1/4" (0.25") from all surrounding edges.
Orientation
The front and back sides of your graphic files should have the same orientation. If the front is in the portrait format and the back is in the landscape format, one page will need to be rotated 90°.
Multi-Page Documents (Booklet/CD Insert)
A multi-page document should only be used when submitting graphic files for a Booklet order. When submitting a Booklet graphic file, page 1 of your multi-page PDF should be the outside front cover, page 2 should be the inside front cover. The last page of your multi-page PDF should be the outside back cover. The multi-page PDF should also have a page count that is a multiple of four (4) and each page must be built to the final trim size plus bleed.
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