Artwork 101
Great print starts with great artwork. Creating your own, or have a designer do it for you? Follow these simple guidelines to help you get the best results. And if you have any questions, just ask!
- If you are ordering a product already listed on our site, start by downloading our handy guides to help you get started. You'll find them in the "Layout Files" tab on the respective product page, when available.
- Artwork should be submitted in PDF format. Each job should be submitted as a single PDF file (including multi-paged projects).
- Before exporting your PDF, be sure to delete any hidden layers that are not intended to be printed (ie: our layout files if you used them, or any other hidden artwork layers). This ensures there is no risk of them being printed!
- Make sure the orientation is correct for any double sided projects, so that the print backs up properly.
- Avoid using borders around the perimeter of your artwork, if possible. If a border is too close to the edge, any minor shifting during cutting may make the artwork appear off-centre.
- When background images or colours meet the edge of the artwork, you must include a 1/8" bleed on all sides. This allows flexibility when cutting, to ensure that your image will stretch all the way to the edge of the finished piece. For large format printing, a 1/4" bleed is preferred.
- Please ensure that all important text and content is at least 1/4" away from any edge, to prevent any information being cut off during trimming. For large format printing, a 1/2" safety margin is preferred.
- All fonts should be embedded or outlined, and any black type should have the following values: C:0, M:0, Y:0, K:100.
- Export your print ready PDF in high resolution, in CMYK, and make sure that all images are CMYK and 300 DPI.
- For all online orders, we use digital PDF proofs to ensure quality and accuracy. However, PDF proofs cannot guarantee colour. If colour accuracy is important to you, please request a hard copy proof.
That's it! And remember, if you have any questions, just ask. We're here to help.