Artwork Guidelines

  • Home
  • Artwork Guidelines

Instructions / Frequently asked questions:

How to set up a bleed zone

 

 

We have prepared the following guide to assist you with your electronic file preparation and submission. If you have a specific problem that is not covered in this guide, or have other questions, please feel free to contact us. Improperly prepared files can cause delays in production and/or undesirable results.

 

Download Templates

 

We have setup templates available for nearly every product available. See product page or contact us for a specific size.

 

 

Quick Checklist

 

► Type is legible and crisp.

► Page layout is correct.

► Margins are set.

► Artwork matches the specified dimensions.

► Fonts are embedded or vector outlines for sharpest result, use 100%K for small black text.

► Avoid use of soft masks or transparency masks (flatten).

► Design does not use thin borders on the edge, if using borders we recommend minimum 0.25".

► Colours are in CMYK mode.

 

Bleeds


A 1/8" bleed zone must be added to each edge of all artwork. Total artwork size should be 0.125" larger than the final cut size. It is also important to keep all text and other important information at least 1/16" inside of the cut line to prevent accidental cropping.
 

Border Guidelines


Use of borders on the edges of your design is not recommended and if you choose to do so it is at your own risk. If your design uses a border we recommend using at least 1/4" border, thin borders risk having edges cut off.
 
Why can't you use borders? Keep in mind that with any full bleed printing (printing to the edge of the document) the product is printed on a large sheet before cutting. The cutting tolerance is accurate up to 1/16" (which is why a bleed zone is required). While all attempts are made to cut jobs as accurately as possible, we allow a margin of error of up to 1/16" (which means that the cut line may shift up to 1/16" in any direction). If your file uses borders this shift can cause thin borders to appear uneven or even be cut off on some sides.

Colour Specifications


Print previews are not a safe and sure measuring tool for colour accuracy. Colours may be effected by monitor calibration, screen resolution, lighting, or other factors. It is important to note that RGB or Pantone colours can experience a colour shift when converted to 4 colour process (CMYK). Please ensure your files are in CMYK mode before uploading to ensure best results.
 
When using saturated blues please ensure there is at least a 30% difference between your Cyan and Magenta levels if you want to avoid a purple tint in your blue shade.
 
 

Image Resolution

 

► Images should be 300dpi for best results.

► Fonts should be outlined or embedded (to preserve vector format) for sharpest print.

► If you are working in pixel-based software and cannot save as a PDF with vector fonts, we recommend saving your file as a 600dpi flattened image to ensure small fonts print sharp.