File preparation and FAQ
A few answers that help your job print right the first time.
Getting your file ready
- Format
- PDF is preferred. Almost any program can produce one. We can also work from your original design files.
- Resolution
- As a rule, 300 dpi at the final printed size. Pictures from the internet are usually 72 or 96 dpi and print blocky. For very large prints we will tell you what is enough.
- Colour
- Set up artwork in CMYK for print. Screen colours (RGB) can look different once printed, so tell us if a colour matters.
- Bleed
- If the artwork runs to the edge, extend it 3 mm past the trim edge. Keep important text and logos at least 5 mm inside the trim.
- Fonts
- Convert text to outlines or embed the fonts in the PDF so nothing changes when we open it.
- Not sure?
- Send what you have. We check every file before it prints and will tell you what to fix.
Questions people ask
At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?
Set resolution to 300 dpi. Pictures pulled from the internet are usually 72 or 96 dpi, which print pixelated and blocky. Avoid them, or send us the original.
What is a proof and why should I look at it?
A proof is a one-off copy of your document after all changes and print setup are done. It is your last and best chance to check the job comes out the way you want. Looking at it carefully helps us deliver a flawless run first time.
Why do printed colours look different from my screen?
Monitors mix red, green and blue (RGB) light and can show a wider range of colour. Printers use cyan, magenta, yellow and black ink (CMYK), which reproduces most but not all of the RGB range. When a screen colour falls outside CMYK, the software picks the closest match. If a colour matters, tell us and we will check it with you.
Is white considered a printing colour?
Not usually. White is the colour of the paper, so it is simply the absence of ink. On coloured paper or other materials, white ink may be used where text or artwork needs it.
What file format should I send?
PDF is the preferred format. Almost any program can produce a PDF suitable for print. We can also work from the original design files if you have them.