Digital File Recommendations & Specifications

We accept a variety of digital file formats for print. We’ll make every effort to work with you to assure that the quality of your project meets your expectations. These recommendations will help to assure the best results.

NEW FILES  must be submitted in one of the following formats      

  • PDF - Prepared for print in CMYK mode with image resolutions at 300 DPI or higher and fonts embedded or outlined.  (Only file type accepted in the DMP)

  • Adobe InDesign - Packaged for print which includes all images and fonts. (Not accepted on DMP)

  • Adobe Photoshop - PSD file with layers and fonts included. Flattened Photoshop files or raster (.jpg or .tif) images from other photo editing platforms should be submitted at 300 DPI in CMYK color mode. (Not accepted on DMP)

  • Adobe Illustrator - Vector files in AI, PDF, or SVG formats are recommended for large format reproduction. For best results, submit files at final size with fonts converted to outlines. Embedded raster images should be in CMYK color mode and a minimum of 300 DPI at final size. (Not accepted on DMP)

These recommendations will help to assure the best results.      

  • Bleeds and Safe Area

    • Bleed:  0.125” all sides

    • Safe Area:  Allow a minimum safe area (margin) of 0.125”

  • Color Mode and Image Resolution

    • All images and files should be submitted in CMYK color mode.

    • Recommended image resolution is 300 DPI at final size.

  • Fonts and Graphics

    • Fonts and graphic images should be embedded in .pdf files. Please include or package font files and images separately if submitting native files. For best results, convert fonts to outlines in vector images (.ai, .eps, .pdf).

  • Pagination

    • Multi-page documents (books, manuals, booklets) should be submitted in single page format and in page number order.



Top 10 File Prep Mistakes


AVOID these common file prep pitfalls.

  1. No Bleed

Files without bleed cannot be put into production. Your InDesign, Illustrator, or Photoshop file should have 0.125” bleed all around every page. If creating print-ready PDFs, be sure to include bleed. Example: 8.5” x 11” flyer WITH bleed will be 8.75” x 11.25”

  1. Incorrect Color Mode

Make sure all work is created and exported using CMYK color mode. This ensures that what you see on your screen will be as close as possible to what is printed. Check this in advance using “separations preview” in either InDesign or Illustrator before creating final files. WATCH for black that is not really just black. A color “auto” appears that is RGB black and separates to percentages of CMYK. What appears to be 100% black on screen will not reproduce correctly without intervention.

  1. Trim Size Does Not Match Print Specs

A 9” x 6” postcard set up on an 8.5” x 11” page will produce an 8.5” x 11” page unless the file is altered. This halts production and frequently causes questions or mistakes. Never set up more than one item on a page, as in four postcards on an 8.5” x 11” sheet; we have software that uses single pages to create press forms for the best cost savings for you which is specific to your job.

  1. Images Are Low Resolution

To ensure print quality, we require images to be 300 DPI minimum. Use InDesign’s preflight to catch this common mistake. Avoid using graphics found from Google Image Search.

  1. Font Problems

Fonts can be missing and sometimes unlicensed which occurs frequently with “free” fonts found on the web. Some fonts cannot be embedded in print-ready PDFs. Either package all fonts and send them along with the native files or outline the fonts to ensure no changes occur during the imposition process.

  1. Missing Links

The safest work approach when sending native files is to package them in InDesign, Illustrator, or Photoshop. This captures all fonts and images that are linked to the file.

  1. Folding Panels

Be sure that each fold-in panel (not outside front and outside back panels) are 0.125” smaller than the final fold size, cumulatively; and that the outside and inside pages of the piece have the panel sizes correct. The outside will have the largest panels on the right; the inside will have the largest panels on the left.

  1. Failure To Use Preflight Tools

Get in the habit of having this open when you are creating files within InDesign. It is “live” and will warn you of possible production problems. It can catch as many things as you want to flag, including overset type, possible bleed problems, and common production problems.

  1. Unmarked Revisions

Be sure all items reflect the latest files. If there are changes required after proofing, BE SURE we know which pages are affected and clearly know what the changes are.

  1. Excessively Large Files

If text and graphics are in the in pasteboard area, all those resources are requested when the files are packaged. This causes alerts about missing graphics that aren’t included in the packaged files and halts production to delete these elements wherever they occur before continuing with production.



Print Collateral Setup.


Collateral Details Page

  • It is recommended to set up bulk print items separate from direct mail products.

  • All products should have a product name and description. 

 

  • It is recommended to have all products grouped by content type, i.e., brochures, door hangers, postcards, etc. 
    This will make sorting collateral much easier to work with once exported.

  • File should be print-quality version, built to specs or templates provided.

  • All products that require printed envelopes must have the envelope artwork in the file as well.


Fulfillment Details Page

  • Quantity minimums are determined by the product type. Minimums range 50 - 500 pieces.

  • Product pricing can be requested through your Account Executive.

  • All collateral that will be printed and shipped must have a weight per unit. Most weights can be found on the Print Collateral Weights sheet included in this document.

  • All direct mail products must have a completed postage amount. Postage amounts vary per printed piece size and method of direct mail selected.  



Print Collateral Setup | Fulfillment Details


SLA agreements are only in place on collateral items that have the following information in place.





DMP Recommendations

  • When uploading new products, it is recommended that a hidden category folder be setup so the products can be tested before moving them into a 
    live category.
     

  • When new products are uploaded that need to be tested, you should click 
    the “Notify Fulfillment Vendor” button on the Fulfillment details page.

  • If samples of a new product are needed, then an order should be placed 
    in the system with the notes “Sample order please print.”

  • When setting up products, it is recommended to set up all print collateral 
    under a main category of Print Collateral and then sub-filter products underneath that main category.

  • The same applies to promotional products. Set up the main category “Promotional Products” and then product categories can be set up under this main category (see sample image).



House Paper Options


SLA agreements are only in place on collateral items that have the following information in place.
    

Cover Stock

  • 80# and 110# Gloss Cover

  • 130# Cougar (Standard business card)

  • 120# Accent Opaque

  • 12 pt C1S

  • 120# Matte Opus Dull

  • 100# Accent Super Smooth

Text Stock

  • 80# and 100# Gloss Cover

  • 80# and 100# Matte Opus Dull

  • 70#, 80#, 100#  Accent Opaque

  • Neenah Classic Crest/Linen - Stationery paper

Product Weights in lbs