File Format & Resolution
PDF files are most preferred, however EPS and AI files are acceptable. Incorrect files or formates will cause a delay to the order. Images and graphics should be at a minimum of 300 DPI at final print size. Lower resolutions tend to look blurry or pixelated once printed, especially on larger formats. Pictures and graphics pulled from the internet are often low resolution, typically 72 DPI or 96 DPI. Avoid using these types of graphics in your designs, as they will appear pixilated and blocky when printed as well.
Color Mode
Convert your file to CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). This will give you a more accurate color representation rather than RGB (red, green, and blue). Printers use the CMYK color model while your computer screen use the RGB color model, which can shift unpredictably when converted during the printing process. Artwork that is submitted using other color models would need to be converted to CMYK, which could cause slight color changes from your screen to print.
Bleed & Trim Marks
Extend any background colors, images, or design elements that touch the edge of the page by at least 0.125 inches (3mm) beyond the trim line to account for slight shifts during cutting. Include trim marks so finishing knows exactly where the final cut should land, and keep any important text or logos at least 0.25 inches inside the trim line as a safety margin.
Fonts & Images
Either embed all fonts directly into the PDF or convert text to outlines/vector paths, since missing fonts can cause text to reflow or substitute incorrectly. Make sure all linked images are embedded rather than linked externally, and avoid using low-quality images in your design.
File Naming & Submission
Name your file clearly with the project name (e.g., "BusinessCard_Front_3.5x2.pdf"), and if there are multiple pages or sides, submit them as a single multi-page PDF rather than separate files unless requested otherwise.
