How should my file be designed?

How should my file be designed?

Create one item sized correctly per document. Placed graphics and text should be sized at 100%.

For best printing results, please flatten all press files.

Fonts:
Using your illustration program, convert all text to curves or create outlines before submitting files. Do not use stylization effects to bold, italicize, add drop shadows, or outline fonts. Any fonts not supplied with your files must be converted to outlines in an illustration program prior to submission.

Margin Requirements

Spot Color Printing

  • Business cards must be submitted 1-up with at least a 0.125" margin.
  • Envelopes require a 0.25" margin from the top and sides.
  • Letterheads require at least a 0.375" top margin and 0.25" margins on all other sides.
  • Presentation folders must include position details in the special instructions or include a physical sample.

Full Color and Folder Printing

  • Business cards require at least a 0.125" margin.
  • Postcards require at least a 0.25" margin.
  • Sales sheets, flyers, and brochures require at least a 0.25" margin for any text or non-bleeding images on all sides. If bleeds are used, text must still remain at least 0.25" from the edge.

Bleed Requirements (ink color touches ANY border)

A 0.125" bleed should be included on each applicable side. Text must still maintain the required safety margins even when graphics bleed.

  • Bleeds are not available on full-color letterheads and envelopes without a custom quote.
  • Bleeds are not available on square-cut labels or static cling labels.
  • When submitting artwork with a border, specify whether the border should print 0.125" inside the edge or bleed off the edge.
  • All bleed artwork must include a 0.125" extension beyond the trim edge to avoid additional charges.

Border Requirements

Due to normal printing and cutting tolerances, slight shifting may occur during production. As a result, the final printed product may vary slightly from the original artwork. Borders can make these shifts more noticeable, especially if border thickness or margins appear uneven.

If your design includes a border, please follow these guidelines:

  • Bleeding Borders: Borders that bleed should extend from the bleed edge on the outside to at least the text safety margin on the inside. Thicker borders help minimize the appearance of shifting, while thinner borders may be cut off on one or more sides. Refer to the appropriate product template for bleed and margin specifications.
  • Non-Bleeding Borders: Borders that do not bleed should remain fully inside the text safety margins. Borders placed farther from the trim edge reduce the visibility of shifting, while borders placed too close may appear uneven after trimming. Refer to the appropriate product template for margin specifications.

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