Guidelines for creating 'Print Ready' artwork
Please read the guidelines below which will help you with making your artwork print ready.
ARTWORK FORMAT
We can only accept artwork as "print ready" if it is in PDF format. The majority of graphic programs will allow you to save your artwork in standard PDF format.
If you are producing artwork in spot colours, EPS files will also be accepted, although PDF is preferred.
RESOLUTION
Files, including any images, must be supplied at a minimum of 300 dpi to print clearly, DO NOT DOWNSAMPLE IMAGES otherwise images may appear fuzzy, distorted or pixelated. Most images found on the web are 72 dpi and are not suitable for professional printing.
COLOURS
Production printing presses use different technologies than home / office printers and computer monitors. These should not be used to proof colours as they will not accurately represent what will be printed.
A screen displays at 72dpi in RGB, most VDU screens are not calibrated and the representation will vary according to the manufacturer of the screen and it's settings.
Print colours may also vary according to the material used in printing - ie: there will be a difference between the colours on gloss material, silk material and uncoated materials.
NB: If printing in spot colours, setup your file in the corresponding quantity of spot (Pantone) colours
If printing in 4 colour process, setup your file in CMYK colour mode
BLEED
Bleed is used to extend an image, colour or line right to the edge of the finished printed piece. For example, if you wanted the background to be entirely blue, you must bleed the blue colour past the edge of the final trimmed size. This prevents a white line down one or more edges of your print, caused by very slight variations in printing and guillotining.
You must include 3mm bleed on each side of your artwork. Please also include crop marks wherever possible.
All text must be at least 3mm from the edge of your artwork.
FONTS
All fonts must be embedded or outlined before sending the final artwork.