General Information and Setup/Instructions

Please submit files in industry-standard formats that are self-contained, with no dependencies on applications, fonts, or other design elements. We recommend saving as a PDF file. You may also send the file in the following types: JPG, JPEG, TIF, TIFF, and EPS. All files must be flattened, have a resolution of 300 dpi, and use embedded or outlined fonts.

We prefer that you send PDF with embedded or outlined fonts. PDF files are easier to handle and will likely speed up your turn-around. Remember to flatten your files before uploading.

We've provided setup steps for various design programs to help you meet these requirements. If you have any questions or are unable to supply files in the specified format, please contact us for assistance.

Quick File Setup Instructions

• Resolution: Files must be at least 300 dpi.
• Rich Black: Use the following CMYK mix: C: 60% / M: 40% / Y: 40% / K: 100%.
• Color Mode: Submit artwork in CMYK. Files sent in other color modes will be converted to CMYK, which may result in color shifts.
• Crop Marks: Do not include any crop marks in your artwork.
• Bleed: Extend background colors and images 0.0625" (1/16") past the cut line on each side.
• Safe Zone: Keep important elements at least 0.0625" (1/16") inside the cut line on each side, so nothing gets trimmed.

Detailed File Setup Instructions

For layouts with bleeds, ensure that your artwork extends past the trim edges by the required amount to achieve the desired result. Use these guidelines for all flyer sizes.

Artwork must include a 0.0625" bleed and a 0.0625" safety margin on each side. Without this bleed, we cannot guarantee precise cuts for any print job.

Your file has three sizes to keep in mind. Here they are for a 3.5" x 2" business card:

• Bleed size: 3.625" x 2.125". This is the size of your file. Background colors and images go all the way to this edge.
• Cut size: 3.5" x 2". This is where we trim, and the size of the finished card.
• Safe area: 3.375" x 1.875". Keep text, logos and anything else important inside it.

The 0.0625" goes on each side, so the file ends up 0.125" bigger than the cut size and the safe area ends up 0.125" smaller. That's why some templates and guides say 0.125": they're adding both sides together. It's the same setup.

These numbers are for business cards, postcards, flyers and most paper products. Booklets, boxes, signs and banners need more. See How much bleed does my product need? for each one.