While PDFs are preferred and recommended for printing, we accept any of the following file formats:

Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)
Adobe Illustrator (.ai, .eps)
Adobe InDesign

A print-ready file is a digital file that contains all the necessary elements and specifications required for high-quality printing.

To be considered print-ready, a file should meet the following criteria:

1) File format: The file should be in a format that the printer can handle, such as PDF, EPS, or AI.

2) Bleed: The design should extend beyond the final trim size to account for any inaccuracies in trimming. This is called a "bleed" and is typically 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch on all sides.

3) Color mode: The file should be in CMYK color mode, which is the standard for most printing processes. Files may also be set in PMS colors if your job is bring printed with PMS inks. RGB color mode, which is used for digital media, is not suitable for printing.

4) Resolution: The file should have a resolution of at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) to ensure high-quality printing.

5) Fonts: All fonts used in the design should be embedded or outlined to ensure they are printed correctly.

6) Image and graphics quality: All images and graphics should be high quality and have a resolution of at least 300 DPI.

We've provided you with a checklist to make sure your files are set up correctly, both so that we can get your job printing quicker, and so that you'll be happy with the results! Download the PDF by clicking the above question.

We cannot print from these files as they do not provide a file that is print-ready, which will cause a low-quality printed piece. You may try using several free utilities such as PrimoPDF, which allow you to create a PDF document from these applications. When creating the PDF, please adhere to the print ready PDF guidelines. You may then upload this PDF to us for printing.

In addition to Word and Publisher files, it is not recommend to use PowerPoint or Excel files for the purposes of high-quality printing.

A bleed in printing refers to an area of a design or image that extends beyond the edge of the printed page. Bleeds are important in printing because they help to ensure that the final printed piece looks clean and professional. Bleeds are universally required by all printing businesses to ensure the best quality output.

When printing a design, the printer needs to be able to trim the paper to the desired size. If there is no bleed, any small misalignment during the trimming process can result in a thin white edge appearing along the edge of the printed design. This can make the final piece look unprofessional and messy.

By including a bleed, you ensure that the printed design extends slightly beyond the edge of the paper. This means that any small misalignment during trimming will not result in a white edge, because the design will extend all the way to the edge of the trimmed paper. Typically, a bleed is created by extending the design or image by 1/8" or 1/4" beyond the final trimmed size of the printed piece on all sides.

In summary, bleeds are an important part of the printing process because they help to ensure that the final printed piece looks clean and professional, without any unwanted white edges.

We've provided you with a guide to help explain bleeds. Download the PDF by clicking the above question.

CMYK and PMS are two different printing methods, each with its unique characteristics and applications. All print files should be set up in either CMYK or PMS colors depending on the desired output for the printing.

CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. CMYK is used in digital and offset printing and is ideal for printing full-color designs. CMYK printing is the most common printing seen today.

PMS stands for Pantone Matching System, which is color space used for color matching in the printing industry. PMS colors are pre-mixed inks with a specific color formula, and each color is identified by a unique code. This system is often used for printing logos, branding, and other graphics that require precise color matching. PMS inks are printed one color at a time, and the result is a solid, consistent color that is not affected by the texture or color of the paper.

**Do NOT use RBG to setup print files.**

In short, printers and monitors produce colors in very different ways. RGB is a color model used for digital displays such as computer monitors, televisions, and mobile devices.. Printers use the CMYK color model, which can reproduce most—but not all—of the colors in the RGB color model. Depending on the equipment used, CMYK generally matches 85–90% of the colors in the RGB model.

If you use RGB colors for printing, the colors may not appear as you expect them to because the printer may not be able to reproduce the full range of colors in the RGB color space. To ensure accurate color reproduction in print, it is best to use the CMYK color model and to choose colors based on the printer's color profile.

A PDF proof in printing is a digital file that shows how the final printed product will look. It is a preview of the final product and is sent to the customer or client for approval before the printing process begins.

The purpose of a PDF proof is to ensure that the final printed product is accurate and meets the customer's requirements. The proof will show the layout, design, colors, and other details of the print job. It is important to carefully review the PDF proof to catch any errors or inconsistencies before printing, as changes can be difficult and expensive to make once the printing process has started.