Submitting Art files
Check the Image Resolution
We recommend 300 DPI print resolution on all of the graphics and photographic images to ensure quality prints. Don’t just increase the resolution settings from 72 dpi to 300 dpi. This does not correct the problem.
- If you are scanning the image be sure to have the setting on 300dpi to capture the proper amount of pixels.
- To check your image resolution, go to “get info” or “image property” to view the dimension of the image in pixels. Multiply both length and height in pixels and then divide by 90000 (300x300dpi). This number tells your image is best at that size.
- For example, 394×278 image / 300×300 = 1.15″. This image tells if increase the size larger than 1.15″ it will begin to blur out the image.
- Another quick method to check the image file resolution is by looking through your monitor. First, view the image file on the screen at 100%. The image file should be sharp and not pixelated. Now, zoom into the monitor by (CMD +) or (Alt +) and view at 300-400%. If your image file still looks vivid then your image has passed the image file resolution test. If your image file looks blurry then you shouldn’t be using the image. Note: for images used on the business cards
- You should predetermine the image size on the card. For example. 1-inch x 1-inch image should be 300 x 300 dpi, and 2-inch x 2-inch image is 600 x 600.
Check the file bleed setting
Setting the bleed is a printing technique to avoid white edges on the printed piece. By adding an extra 1/8″ to the final size you can assure your card will not have the white edges of the cards.
- Start out your document size at 3.625″ x 2.125″, then we will cut the cards to 3.5×2 inches. Make sure all the pertinent information are 1/8″ away from the edge of the card to avoid any mishaps during the print cutting process. We are not liable for any mishaps that may result from the file not being set up correctly.
- We do accept the file that has 1/4″ bleed over the actual file size of 3.75″x 2.25.”
- We accept the following file types: AI, PDF, PSD, PNG, JPG, and TIFF, for Microsoft files, save the file as a PDF file.
Fonts
To avoid missing font issues on the file on our end, best to outline the fonts on your end. If not sure how to deal with font issues, flatten the file and send us high-quality .jpg files. If you are using the Canva.com to create the business card, not to worry. Just save the file as a pdf.
Dealing with add-on masking files.
To add Foil, Emboss, SpotUV, Raised ink, or Akua foil simply create an additional file that masks those areas in black (0/0/0/100). If not sure, just ask us.
Registration & Crop Marks
Please remove all registration and crop marks from the file. Just create the file in 3.625″x2.125″.
The best way to send us the file
- Although jpg and png are acceptable, we recommend saving the file as a pdf file.
- Outline the letters
- flatten the layers
- save the file in CMYK color mode
Use the dark tone black
In printing this is called Rich black ink, a mixture of solid black over one or more of the other CMYK colors, resulting in a darker tone than black ink alone can generate in the printing process.
- Rich black color should be used for large, solid black areas and text over 36 points.
- We recommend using the color formula of 60/40/40/100 on Rich black color
- We recommend not using the default black color from Photoshop. May not notice on the digital copier prints but on the offset printing, you should notice the difference in tone.