PRINTING FILE PREPARATION

We provide this information and links to other companies as a resource for our customers. Clicking on an outside link will open a new window or tab in your browser. A glossary of printing terms and descriptions is also available.

FILE FORMATS

Our preferred file formats for all artwork are outlined EPS files, flattened TIFFs, and PDF/X-1a files. Each format has strengths and weaknesses that should be considered before beginning a project.

Please visit our InDesign and QuarkXpress pages for important considerations when using these programs. DigitalXpress recommends using only professional design products to create print projects for the press.

VECTOR FILES

EPS files are the best format for vector-based art such as logos. Vector art is resolution independent and can be reduced or enlarged without loss of quality. Rasterized elements in EPS files - including drop shadows - do not inherit this benefit. Before sending EPS files, it is essential to either outline all text or to provide all fonts used in the file.

Other vector formats, including CDR and AI files, should be converted to EPS files to avoid additional fees. For more about working with EPS files, visit our Illustrator help center.

RASTER FILES

Compression in JPG files impacts image quality and detail. Both degrade each time a JPG is resaved so it is recommended only TIFF files for rasterized art such as photos.

All rasterized art is limited in size and quality to the original file parameters. Reducing an image size does not usually impact the quality of the art, however, enlarging rasterized images will cause the art to look soft, loose detail and become jagged or blocky. The more the image size is increased, the more noticeable the loss of quality. Ideally, all raster images in print work should be 300 dpi at actual image size.

For more about working with image files, visit our Digital Image page and Photoshop help center.

PDF FILES

PDFs are one of the most accessible formats available but are typically non-editable. For accurate reproduction PDFs must be created for the intended environment. PDFs designed for web display and one for print products have different requirements so we prefer to receive PDF-X/1a:2001 files.

MOST COMMON ERRORS

The five most common errors we find are:

• No Bleed Allowance
• Incorrectly Sized or Centered Art
• RGB and/or JPEG images
• Low Resolution Art
• Missing Files

TRIM AND BLEED ALLOWANCE

Before starting on artwork, make certain that the document is set the correct trim dimensions for your project. The trim size is the final dimension that your printing job will be cut to before any bindery processes.

Text, borders, or images that are not meant to go the edge of your card must be 1/8" from the trim edge of your layout. Images that are meant to go to the edge of your card must extend 1/8" past the trim for your bleed.

INCORRECT FILE SIZE

DOCUMENT SIZE
DigitalXpress offers several FREE templates for many products and sizes to help ensure files are sized correctly. Artwork for all projects must be built at the correct trim size with proper bleed allowances. In applications such as InDesign, Illustrator and Quark, the document must be created at the final trim size, and the bleed allowance included by extending any artwork that touches the trim edge by 1/8".

In Photoshop, the document size must include the bleed allowance. To do so, add 1/4" to each dimension of the final trim size. An 8 1/2" by 11" Photoshop project should therefore be created at 8 3/4" by 11 1/4" with guides set in 1/8" from each edge to indicate the trim.

CENTERED ART
If the document is not set to the actual trim size it is essential that the artwork is correctly centered on the page. Please note that all elements in EPS files will affect the centering of the artwork. DigitalXpress is not responsible for incorrectly centered artwork.

TYPE LEGIBILITY AND HAIRLINES

One typical mistake in design is the use of type or hairlines that do not print well and thus wind up being illegible. To avoid this mistake, shy away from type sizes smaller than 6 pts and lines (rules) thinner than .25pt. Type smaller than 6 pts becomes difficult to read and finer details may be difficult to hold on the press and can fill in. Typical body copy should be set between 9 and 12 pts in size for maximum readability.

Be careful when using reversed out text (ie: light colored text on a darker area). Because the darker area tends to bleed into the lighter text area on press, it is recommended that you use at least 6 pt type, and sans serif fonts, in these instances.

Using a Hairline setting for rules and borders may result in the line failing to print. Never use "hairline" for rules and borders. Always specify a point size that is at least .25 points.

USING RICH BLACKS

When using black elements in your 4-color design, it is best to use a rich black using all four inks. This produces a deeper, darker shade of black. It is best to use rich blacks in larger areas of black, such as thick black borders, headline type and shapes. It is still preferable to use 100% black for body copy (text).

To achieve rick blacks, create a color swatch or assign a process color with the following CMYK combinations:

• C = 60%
• M = 40%
• Y = 20%
• K = 100%

The above rich black has a total value of 220%. To prevent delays on your project you should make sure the total percentage value does not exceed 250%. Artwork exceeding this limit may be rejected for processing.

FONT USAGE

It is important to have full knowledge of which fonts you are using in your document. It is often recommended to narrow the number of different font families in your design to reduce complications. It is IMPORTANT to note the following:

Do not stylize any fonts (eg: bolds, italics, outlines or shadows) using quick access buttons in layout programs. If you need to bold or italic a font, select the bold or italic font from the font menu (eg: Futura Bold). Not all fonts have bold or italic versions.

If you are using fonts in EPS vector graphics the fonts should be outlined before submitting your files. Please see the Illustrator help section for more details.

SENDING YOUR ARTWORK

COLLECTING THE FILES
If you choose not to create a PDF-X/1A file and you are using professional layout programs, we prefer you collect all relevant project files using your program's Collect For Output or Package feature. Make sure the resulting folder includes all images, all fonts, including those used within artwork and not outlined, and the layout file.

COMPRESSION
Files transferred across the Internet can sometimes be stripped of vital code that identifies the file type. Compressing files before sending can protect files during transit.

Compress the complete folder using Stuffit or WinZip. This will not only optimize the files for faster transfer, but will ensure they are protected during transit. NOTE: When creating the compressed SIT or ZIP file, please include the Project name and PO number in the filename.

FILE TRANSFER
After an order is placed, you will have the opportunity to upload files. Follow the instructions accordingly.

CORRUPTED FILES

As files are transferred across the Internet, they can be stripped of vital code that identifies their file type. Compressing files before sending can protect files during transit. Use a compression program to send your files.

POSTAL REGULATIONS

DigitalXpress is not responisible for artwork that does not meet US Postal Regulations and incurs additional postage charges from the post office. We offer templates and a summary of the requirements for some popular postcards sizes to help avoid potentially expensive errors.