Design Guidelines & Artwork Requirements
Complete specifications for preparing print-ready artwork. Follow these guidelines for sharp, vibrant prints every time.
Quick Reference
Accepted File Formats
| Format | Extension | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Best format. Use PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 standard with fonts embedded. | ||
| Adobe Illustrator | .ai | Native vector format. Convert text to outlines before saving. |
| EPS | .eps | Vector format. Ensure all fonts are outlined. |
| Photoshop | .psd | Flatten layers, 300 DPI, CMYK mode. Large file sizes. |
| TIFF | .tiff | Flattened, 300 DPI, CMYK, LZW compression. No layers. |
| JPEG | .jpg | Maximum quality (10-12), 300 DPI, CMYK. No transparency support. |
| PNG | .png | 300 DPI. RGB only - will be converted to CMYK. Use for drafts. |
PDF is Best
Document Setup & Sizes
Set your document size to the final trim size plus bleed. The bleed area will be trimmed off after printing.
| Product | Trim Size | Document Size (with bleed) |
|---|---|---|
| Business Cards | 3.5" x 2" | 3.75" x 2.25" |
| Club Flyers (4x6) | 4" x 6" | 4.25" x 6.25" |
| Postcards (4x6) | 4" x 6" | 4.25" x 6.25" |
| Postcards (5x7) | 5" x 7" | 5.25" x 7.25" |
| Rack Cards | 4" x 9" | 4.25" x 9.25" |
| Door Hangers | 4.25" x 11" | 4.5" x 11.25" |
| Flyers (Letter) | 8.5" x 11" | 8.75" x 11.25" |
| Posters (11x17) | 11" x 17" | 11.25" x 17.25" |
Resolution Requirements
Print Resolution
300 DPI
All raster images (photos, complex graphics) must be 300 DPI at the final print size. This ensures sharp, clear output.
Screen Resolution
72 DPI
Web images are typically 72-96 DPI. These will print blurry and pixelated. Never use images from websites for print.
Bleed & Safety Zones
Bleed Zone
0.125"
Extends beyond trim. This area is cut off. Extend backgrounds here.
Trim Line
Final Edge
Where the paper is cut. This is your final print size.
Safety Zone
0.125"
Inside trim line. Keep all important content within this area.
Color Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Color Mode | CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) |
| Color Profile | US Web Coated (SWOP) v2 or GRACoL 2006 |
| Total Ink Limit | 300% maximum (recommended 280%) |
| Rich Black | C:60 M:40 Y:40 K:100 |
| True Black (text) | C:0 M:0 Y:0 K:100 |
RGB to CMYK Color Shift
Font Requirements
Option 1: Embed Fonts
When saving PDF files, enable font embedding in export settings:
- InDesign: Export > PDF > Subset fonts below 100%
- Illustrator: Save As PDF > Embed All Fonts
- Photoshop: Save As PDF > Embed Fonts
Option 2: Convert to Outlines
Convert all text to vector shapes (outlines/curves):
- Illustrator: Type > Create Outlines
- InDesign: Type > Create Outlines
- CorelDRAW: Arrange > Convert to Curves
Minimum Font Sizes
- Positive text (dark on light): 6pt minimum
- Reversed text (light on dark): 8pt minimum
- Fine serif fonts: 8pt minimum
Pre-Flight Checklist
Document Setup
- Correct trim size
- 0.125" bleed on all sides
- CMYK color mode
- US Web Coated (SWOP) v2 profile
Images
- All images 300 DPI
- Images in CMYK mode
- No RGB images placed
- Links embedded or packaged
Typography
- Fonts embedded or outlined
- Minimum 6pt font size
- Text 0.125" from trim edge
- No system fonts used
Export
- PDF format (PDF/X-1a or X-4)
- Bleed marks included
- High-quality compression
- Transparency flattened
Related Guides
Ready to Upload?
Once your artwork meets these guidelines, you are ready to place your order.