Provide us with any fonts and images you have used in your project. If you are utilizing Adobe InDesign, make sure to use the program’s function to collect all linked files. When submitting files, include only the fonts and images you have actually used; do not include any extras. Additionally, do not rename your images after linking them.
Add bleed to your artwork. "Bleed" refers to printing that extends to the edge of the paper. To accomplish this, increase the dimensions of your document by 0.25 inches on both sides. For example, if the final size is 8.5 inches by 11 inches, set your document size to 8.75 inches by 11.25 inches. Draw guides on the layout that are 0.125 inches from the edge on all sides. Design your layout with the understanding that it will be trimmed at these guides, so any photographs or backgrounds you want to bleed should extend to the edges of the document, past these guidelines.
Keep your text away from the edge! Keep your text at least 0.25 inches away from the cut edges to ensure it doesn’t get trimmed off.
Save all imagery in CMYK color mode. If any images are grayscale, save them as such, especially if you have multiple images in your document. Ensure that you have consistently used the correct color mode throughout the document, avoiding mixed CMYK and RGB colors.
Use applications that are good for printing. Like Adobe InDesign, Publisher, or Illustrator. Microsoft applications like Word and Excel can cause problems for design and print because they default to RGB colors, while printing requires CMYK colors. It's impossible to properly convert colors within these applications, and issues with formatting and font variations can arise when transferring documents between different computers or platforms (Windows to Mac, for instance). For best results, save your file as a PDF.
Ensure that your images are at least 300 dpi. Images downloaded from the web may appear visually acceptable because screen resolution matches the image (72 dpi). Zoom in on the image to check its quality. If you are uncertain, feel free to call us for assistance. Please note that if you have saved your image at a lower resolution, it cannot be improved later. Although programs like Photoshop may allow you to input a higher resolution, it will not change the actual appearance of the image. Always follow copyright laws regarding the use of web images.