How To Prepare Your Unique Design Files
Not every job you'll want to produce with us will be a 'fill in the blanks' template creation. For those marketing layouts where you have a unique design, be sure and follow these guidelines for the best possible production of your design. Doing so will assure your products are printed as accurately as possible without delays.
File Formats
We accept print-ready saved from Adobe Photoshop® CS, Adobe Illustrator® CS, Adobe InDesign® CS, Adobe PageMaker, Macromedia Freehand®, QuarkXpress®. Files should be saved in any of the following formats: .eps, .jpg, .pdf, .ps, .psd, and .tif. 
We can also print raster images (.tiff and .jpegs) independent of the application program used to create such designs if they are submitted at high-quality, uncompressed 300 dpi resolution, 8 bit, CMYK color mode. We cannot guarantee files created in MS-Word® or MS-Publisher® will produce high-quality images and text. Please refer to your user manual or software vendor for information on how to output a print-ready raster image that meets our specifications.
Please note that if you have an artwork file in any other format (e.g., Word® document), we encourage you to create a PDF file that can be uploaded to us.
Bleeds and Borders
Please keep in mind that any image you would like printed to the edge of a page must extend at least .125" (1/8") beyond the final dimension of your job to allow for cutting variations. When using solid borders in your artwork, they must be at least .25" (1/4").
Safety Zone
Any text or artwork that you wish to preserve must be inside the safety zone of .125" (1/8") inside the final dimension of your design. 
Resolution
In order for an image to print properly, it must be at least 300 ppi (pixels per inch, also known as DPI, or dots per inch) at the printed size. Images below 300 ppi will produce a blurry print that lacks detail. 
DO NOT try to change from a low resolution to a higher resolution by increasing the ppi in your imaging program. It is important that you use another image with a higher resolution.
Outlined fonts
When submitting EPS or PDF files, you must convert your fonts into outlined fonts. Without outlining, type produced in Photoshop sometimes appears to have fuzzy edges when printed and/or your font is substituted 
with a different font that may not look as good. Using vector style type, or outlining your fonts will provide smooth, crisp edges. This also eliminates the need to send fonts with your files. Be advised that outlined type may display differently in your layout program than font faces. But don't worry- they will still print the same.
Color mode
In order to get the most reliable color, it is important to convert the files created on your computer from RBG to 
CMYK. This will prevent surprises caused by the color shift that occurs when RGB files are converted to CMYK.
Hardcopy proofs are recommended for any job that is color sensitive. Hardcopy proofs are the only way to know exactly what your job will look like before it is printed.
If you're not design and production savvy (many of you aren't but that's OK... the world needs experts in every field!) these may be new concepts for you. If you have a design professional you use, terrific. They'll understand these issues and you'll be better able to communicate with them what your needs are when you do a project. If you need help with a project, we have a design staff here that can help you build the ideal piece for your requirements for a lot less than you might think!
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