Artwork Specifications

Specifications and Guidelines for Submitting Artwork and Production Files

Following are artwork specifications and requirements that can help ensure fast and accurate production of files. We need production files, hard copies or proofs, and additional information about the files for each order. We support most graphic programs and software, along with most file types. Please contact us with any questions on versions, programs, or files.

Submitting Production Files
Preparation

Check for viruses. If our virus detection software detects a virus, we cannot open files
Remove all extraneous files from the disk/tape/CD-R/DVD-R used to submit the artwork
Images should be in tiff or eps format (tiff, eps, jpg, bmp OK for certain CDs)

Include

All application files and source files, including eps files
All display and printer fonts used in the file. Please include any modified fonts

Submitting Hard Copy or .pdfs

Printout of final file without any markings. Laser print using postscript is preferred for most prints (inkjet OK for print on CD-R).
Second printout or copy of the printout with markings. On this print, please include measurements in inches of specs related to positioning on the page. We need dimensions, margins, columns, widths, gutters, score marks, die cuts, trimmings, and anything which needs to be stripped in. If difficult to indicate, submit a dummy. This is not necessary for print on CD/DVD.
For color separated jobs, include one print out for each color and indicate color on the print out.

Additional Information Needed
Documentation, such as file name, number of pages, and PMS colors, if any, must be included. Swatches of special colors to be matched should also be included. This list must also include information about programs and compression, if used.

Information about trapping, if necessary
Font list
Contact name and phone number for person who prepared the file/can answer questions

Do's and Don'ts on Submitting Files

DO use our online templates for standard printing (CD's and similar). Use custom die line for custom items.
DO understand the limitations of the printing and binding process. Consider the task and the materials as well as the requirement for turnaround before submitting a complex design. We can advise about additional lead time, cost or other issues.
DO understand what happens when a file is saved in a certain format. With certain programs, files do not retain their settings when saved as eps files.
DO make sure that color separation is done correctly (usually CMYK or specified PMS color)
DO take care if using a program that does not allow bleeds. Make the pages oversized and make a clear note of this fact on the marked-up print. Insert crop marks.
DO keep a complete backup copy. File transfers can go wrong, courier services lose delivery items, and even we could make an error when receiving the file.
DON'T use hairlines or thin fonts for CD/DVD art.
DON'T use small fonts if we are printing on less than "ideal" print materials, such as CDs, Tyvek, cardboard or plastic.

Top Seven Reasons Orders Get Delayed
1.	Missing fonts, images and files
2.	Older version of software no longer supported
3.	Misunderstanding between our customer and their designer about format, content and design
4.	Customer has no one on duty to answer questions and resolve issues
5.	Requests to make changes after the artwork has been submitted
6.	File is in an application which we can't use, or saved in a format which does not work
7.	Wrong (or no) die line used