Best Practices - Preparing Files for Printing

The quality of your print will only be as good as the quality of your file. Below are common guidelines to follow when preparing your document for printing.

CHOOSING A COLOR SPACE - CMYK or RGB

Digital presses use CMYK colors, therefore your file should also be CMYK to match the printers platform. Text, graphics, and photography should be CMYK.

Using Pantone Colors (Spot COLORS)

If you are printing on a uncoated paper, then use PMS Uncoated colors. If you are printing on coated paper (gloss) use PMS Coated Colors. Always use the same color book.

Final print Dimensions

Files should be final print size. For example, if you submit a business card, the documents dimension should be 3" x 2". Keep in mind final dimensions may need to include bleeds, if this is the case please visit: USING BLEEDS

Using crop Marks and Bleeds in printing

If bleeds are used, 0.125 (3 mm) is generally recommended for digital printing. For example, if printing a business card with bleeds, the final document size should be 0.25" larger to allow room for trimming (Le. 3.75"; x2.25"). For more information please visit: USING BLEEDS

Using Black and Grey with a digital color press

• Black: Use 100% K for pure black text or pure black solids.

• Grey: Use a percentage of K (black), and small percentages of C. M, and Y (i.e. lf you're trying to achieve a steel grey, then your color values may look like this C=3% M=1% Y=1% K=80%).

Outlining or Embedding Fonts for printing

To Outline Fonts: First, duplicate your file or Save As, and then outline the fonts. Do NOT save over your original file with the text layers. There is no going back if you save over your file! If using InDesign or Quark, embed the fonts when you package the file.

Preparing Your Files for Binding and Finishing

• Twin Loop, Coil, GBC, Velo Binding, 3-Hole Punch: Binding edge margin should be 0.5" to avoid trimming text.

• Saddle Stitching: Requires multiples of four. Please insert blanks if necessary. If there is a bleed, use a .25" bleed for face trimming.

• Perfect Binding: Digital work should have no printed images on any glue areas including inside spine. Leave .25" margins for the inside pages and the cover.