Please view the information below to avoid common errors that we encounter when receiving files.
Incorrect Color Mode
RGB color mode (red, green, blue) must be converted to CMYK color mode (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) prior to printing.
Wrong Size
Digital files must be built at the correct bleed size. Correct file setup will prevent from additional charges during file preparation and printing.
Critical Artwork or Text Close to Trim
- Text or images that are not meant to be trimmed off the edge of your final printed piece must be 1/4" (.25) from the edge of your layout (also known as Safety).
- Images that are meant to go to the very edge of your design must extend into the bleed area 1/8" (0.125).
- Due to the very small shifting that occurs during cutting, it is NOT recommended that you use a border of less than 1/4" (.25). We cannot guarantee that small borders will be the same size on all sides after trimming if you have used a border of less than 1/4" (.25).
Does Not Meet U.S. Postal Regulations
The Post Office requires that all mailed postcards must meet certain criteria. Any divergence from their guidelines can result in a delay in processing or increase the mailing rate. Please refer to the standard guidelines set by the postal service for all mailed products. If you chose our company to design a postcard for you, you can be certain that the setup will be correct.
Low Resolution Images
- Raster graphics such as TIF and JPEG files must have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi (dots per inch). Images with a resolution less than 300 dpi will reproduce poorly on press (the image will look fuzzy and/or pixelated).
- If your images are from a website on the internet, there is a good chance that the resolution will not be high enough for printing (unless the images came from a stock photography house and are designated high resolution). The internet displays images at 72 dpi, so that the images appear quickly over an internet connection, but under no circumstances should images at this dpi be used for printing.
- If you submit low-resolution files for printing, you will be asked to sign an online waiver acknowledging that you are aware of the resulting loss of quality and that you will accept the final image as is.
Missing Fonts
- If you used a page layout program (QuarkXpress, InDesign, etc.) you must provide all fonts and typefaces used in your layout. If you do not supply fonts, you will be asked to upload your fonts and your job will be placed on hold until we receive them.
- If your files come from a Mac, please be sure you stuff the fonts with the rest of the project files.
Missing Images
If you used a page layout program (QuarkXpress, InDesign, etc.) you must supply all high-resolution images used in your layout. If you do not supply your images, your printing job will be placed on hold and you will be contacted and asked to upload the missing images.
Wrong File Type
- Our online printing services and production process is such that we can only accept specific file types from specific professional graphic design applications. If your application is not listed, please consider using our design service to help you with the project.
- If you are using a Mac, please make sure your file extensions are included.
Corrupt File
As files travel across the internet, they are often stripped of vital code that identifies them and their original file types. Without compressing (win zip / stuff it) them, your files may reach their destination as incomplete or "corrupted" digital files.
