Resources & Support

Here you'll find answers to common questions our clients ask. Start by selecting one of the links below. If you don’t see what you need – call or contact us online.

1. What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?
2. Tips on file format setups
3. Tips on how to save your design files
4. Is your file the correct size for printing?
5. Has a hard copy or dummy been supplied?
6. At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?
7. Has a diecut outline been included in your File?
8. Is your body copy or fine print text 100% black or RGB black?
9. What is the Pantone Matching System?
10. What is a proof and why is it important that I look at it?

1. What file format should I use when submitting my electronic document for printing?

   PDF (Portable Document Format) - Flattened PDF/ X-1A:2001 or Unfalttened PDF/ X-4A:2008 is the preferred file format for submitting digital documents to us.

   With the installation of a PDF print driver on your computer, virtually any program can generate a PDF file suitable for printing. Both commercial and free PDF print drivers are available online for download from different sources.

2. Tips on file format setups

   Many layout programs have collecting or packaging functions that will automatically collect your document, fonts, all art including and a report. When possible, it is recommended to use these functions because without any or all of these elements we will be unable to print your job.
   • Enclose all screen fonts and printer fonts
   • Include all placed images
   • Make sure your files are set with proper bleed, trim and safety areas
   • Include your Trim, Bleed and crop marks on all sides

   BLEED: All art trimming off the edge MUST be pulled out 1/8” beyond the trim line.
   TRIM: This is the guideline where the job will be cut.
   SAFETY: Keep your text at least a 1/4” from the trim. All art and text within this safety area will assure that nothing will be trimmed off during the cutting process.

3. Tips on how to save your design files

   Make them print ready and acceptable for us to print.

   We prefer PDFS, Flattened PDF/ X-1A:2001 or Unfalttened PDF/ X-4A:2008 with text outlined or fonts embedded.
   • Ai Adobe Illustrator (Text converted to outlines and all Images embedded)
   • TIFF (300d.p.i –150d.p.i Min. at actual size)
   • JPEG (300d.p.i –150d.p.i Min. at actual size)
   • EPS (Text converted to outlines and all Images embedded)
   • Logically name all documents and label disks with the name of your organization and the name of the job.

   COREL DRAW:
   Saving your Corel Draw file as an Adobe Illustrator EPS
   • Embed all Images
   • Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
   • Export as Illustrator EPS

   ILLUSTRATOR:
   • Embed all Images
   • Convert all your text/copy to paths
   • Export as Illustrator EPS or PDF

   INDESIGN:
   Saving your PageMaker file as an EPS
   • Embed all Images
   • Convert all your text/copy to outline fonts
   • Export your file as an EPS using the below settings:
   Postscript Level 3
   CMYK Mode
   TIFF format and
   Binary

   PUBLISHER:
   You will need to have the full version of Adobe Acrobat PDF. If you don’t please download and use our Adobe Job Ready Program. If you do have the full version of Adobe Acrobat PDF please follow the steps below.
   Under File, Print, select Adobe PDF writer
   Under Properties select Press Quality and Save your PDF

4. Is your file the correct size for printing?

   Please make sure youir print file is the exact size you need and corresponds with the size quoted.

5. Has a hard copy or dummy been supplied?

   Please include a composite laser or colour proof printed after ALL changes and corrections. Check to ensure they accurately reflect the graphics, fonts, bleeds and include crop marks if required. Note on proof if it is not a 100% size representation of final product.

6. At what resolution should I save my photos and graphics?

   Resolution should be set to 300 dpi. at actual size (150 dpi. Min. at actual size)

   Pictures and graphics pulled from the internet are often low resolution, typically 72 dpi or 96 dpi. Avoid these graphics, as they will appear pixilated and blocky when printed.

   Also note that you should save all photos in CMYK mode, not RGB mode when possible. Images saved in RGB mode may not print properly. If you are unable to save your image in CYMK mode, please let us know.

7. Has a diecut outline been included in your File?

   Please provide your diecut outline showing folds, scores, perferations etc. Your diecut outline should be on a separate layer and assigned as a spot colour and be set to overprint mode.

8. Is your body copy or fine print text 100% black or RGB black?

   Black Text (under 16pt) and hard lines should be only 100% black and set to overprint if on top of a background colour or image. If your black text is RGB or mixed with other colours they will print blurry and at times be unreadable.

9. What is the Pantone Matching System?

   The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a color reproduction standard in which colors all across the spectrum are each identified by a unique, independent number. The use of PMS allows us to precisely match colors and maintain color consistency throughout the printing process.

10. What is a proof and why is it important that I look at it?

    In printing terms, a proof is a one-off copy of your document after all modifications and printing setup processes have been completed. It is your last and best opportunity to make sure that the print job comes out the way you want. By carefully inspecting the proof, you can help us assure an accurate, flawless delivery of your print job on the first run.