GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR PRINTS!

Correct file setup will provide you with the best results and save you money. 

Best setup for the best print:

• Use Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator or Adobe InDesign.
• Send PDF files.
  • While PDFs are preferred, we know not everyone has the means of saving as a PDF - but it will make things smoother. Other acceptable formats are:
    • Microsoft Word
    • Microsoft Excel
    • JPG
    • TIFF
• Send the highest resolution file (300 dpi is optimal for printing). 
• Make sure your colors are CMYK, NOT RGB.
• Ensure your use bleeds when necessary.
  • If you have artwork that has color that goes all the way to the edges, make the background .125" bigger all the way around. This will prevent your print from having a white edge on near the artwork. So, in other words, your 8" x 10" file that has ink all the way to the edge of the paper, your paper size should be 8.25" x 10.25". 
  • If you don't want your artwork to have color all the way to the edge, leave at least a .25" space around the sides of the paper for a nice clean look.
• Spell check all your documents.
• Compress your files when emailing. 
• Ensure you have the legal right to the materials you are sending for reproduction. Images on the internet do not always mean they're legal to produce. No NFL, Disney or other copyright images will be produced. 
• Have a repeat order? Just give us the Order Number of your last job you want a reprint of and we can pull it easily for you.

Design and Production Definitions

• Bleeds: Printing that extends to the edge of a sheet or page after trimming.
• DPI (Dots-Per-Inch): Measure of resolution of input devices such as scanners, display devices such as monitors, and output devices such as laser printers, imagesetters and monitors. Abbreviated DPI. Also called dot pitch.
• Hard Proof: Actual printed copy of your artwork for your approval/changes.
• Soft Proof: Digital copy emailed to you of your artwork for your approval/changes.
• Cover Stock (Paper Weight): Category of thick paper used for products such as posters, menus, folders and covers of paperback books.
• Text Stock (Paper Weight): Designation for printing papers with textured surfaces such as laid or linen. Some mills also use 'text' to refer to any paper they consider top-of-the-line, whether or not its surface has a texture.
• 4/4: Full color on both sides of the paper. (4/0 is used when one side is blank).
• 1/1: Black art/copy on both sides of the paper. (1/0 is used when one side is blank).