Artwork Guidelines

Artwork & File Preparation

Prepare your files for print.

A properly prepared file helps us move your project into production faster and reduces the chance of unexpected changes. Use the guidelines below before submitting your artwork. If you are unsure about anything, send us what you have and our team can review it.

Quick file checklist

✓Final document size matches the finished trim size.
✓Artwork that reaches the edge includes 0.125" (1/8") bleed.
✓Important text and logos are kept safely inside the trim area.
✓Images are approximately 300 ppi at final print size.
✓Fonts are embedded in the PDF or converted to outlines.
✓Linked images are embedded or included with packaged source files.
✓Color settings have been reviewed for the intended print process.
✓A press-ready PDF has been reviewed before upload.
File Format

Start with a press-ready PDF.

For most projects, a high-quality PDF is the preferred file format. It preserves page size, fonts, images, and positioning more reliably than sending an editable design file.

  • Export at the final trim size with the required bleed included.
  • Embed fonts or convert them to outlines before export.
  • Embed placed images and graphics.
  • Review every page of the exported PDF before submitting it.
If your project requires editing, variable data, special finishing, or other production work, we may ask for the original Adobe source files and packaged links as well.
Bleed & Safe Area

Give the artwork room to trim.

Any photo, background, color, or graphic that touches the finished edge should extend past the trim line. This extra artwork is called bleed.

  • Standard bleed: 0.125" (1/8") on each side.
  • Extend backgrounds and images fully into the bleed area.
  • Keep important text, logos, and contact information inside the safe area.
  • For critical elements, allowing approximately 0.25" from the trim provides additional protection.
Some specialty and large-format products may require different bleed or safe-area settings. Check the product specifications or contact us before preparing unusual sizes.
Color

Design for the way the job will print.

Screens and printed pieces reproduce color differently, so an on-screen preview should not be treated as an exact color proof.

For standard four-color printing, CMYK artwork is generally preferred. Highly saturated RGB colors can shift when converted into the printable CMYK color range.

If your project requires Pantone or another spot color, keep the intended spot-color swatch defined correctly in the file rather than converting it to process color.

Color-critical project? Let us know before production. Different papers, coatings, presses, and finishing methods can all influence final color.
Resolution

Use artwork with enough detail.

  • For standard commercial print, aim for approximately 300 ppi at final size.
  • Avoid enlarging small web images to fit a larger printed area.
  • Logos and line art are best supplied as vector artwork whenever possible.
  • Large-format graphics may use lower effective resolution depending on size and viewing distance.
Not sure whether an image is large enough? Send us the file and tell us the final print size. We can help determine whether the resolution is appropriate.
Fonts & Links

Make sure nothing goes missing.

  • Embed fonts when exporting the final PDF.
  • Fonts may also be converted to outlines where appropriate.
  • When sending native files, package linked images and required fonts with the project.
  • Keep an editable copy of your original file before outlining fonts.
Adobe Files

Guidelines by application.

Adobe InDesign

Export a press-ready PDF with bleed and embedded fonts. If we need the native file, use InDesign’s Package feature so linked graphics and fonts are included.

Adobe Illustrator

Use vector artwork where possible, embed placed images, and outline or properly embed fonts before supplying the final production file.

Adobe Photoshop

Build raster artwork at final size with appropriate resolution. For standard print work, approximately 300 ppi is a good target.

Proofs

Review layout separately from color.

Digital PDF proofs are useful for confirming content, layout, positioning, page order, and general appearance before production.

A soft proof viewed on a monitor is not a guarantee of exact printed color. Monitor calibration, paper stock, coating, ink, press conditions, and finishing can all affect the final result.

If accurate color matching is critical to your project, tell us before production so we can discuss the appropriate proofing or color-management options.

Not sure if your file is print-ready?

Send us what you have. Our team can review your artwork and let you know if anything needs attention before production.

Upload Your Files Contact Us