Graphic Requirements

To ensure first-time success in submitting your graphics, there are a few guidelines you should follow:

• Submitting artwork as a PDF file is preferred (MAC or PC). We will also accept Adobe® Photoshop® and Adobe® Illustrator® File Types.
• Supported file types are: .PDF, .AI, .EPS, .PSD, .JPG, and .TIFF
• Please do not submit PDF files with more than one page.
• If submitting multiple images, please submit each one as a separate file.
• Please include all linked images when sending files.
• JPEG files should be saved at Highest or Maximum Quality. TIFF images should be saved with No Compression.
• Graphics must be submitted on provided Templates.
• Our graphics templates include all necessary measurements, bleeds and safe guides. Graphics not submitted on our templates may print with undesired results and/or loss of information.
• Confirm your graphics are centered on the template and all important copy and photographs are within the safe area.
• Only include graphics to be printed. Do not include notes, comments, or additional guidelines in your file. Rejection of your graphics file or undesired results may occur.
• Submit all artwork in a CMYK Color Space Mode.
• Any graphics files submitted as RGB will be converted to CMYK. This conversion may change the colors and final appearance of the print, leading to undesired results.
• Monitors display as RGB and should not be used as an accurate representation of color.
• Design all graphics files in a Scale of 1:10.
• All graphics files must be submitted at a scale of 1:10 (1in = 10in). This ensures smaller file sizes and fewer issues with uploading and transfer. Print quality will not be affected if files are submitted using our required settings.
• All of our graphics templates are at 1:10 scale. Do not resize them.
• A minimum Resolution of 360dpi is required for raster (pixel) images.
• We recommend a resolution of 800dpi, especially for images with fonts and crisp curves.
• In a graphics program, increasing the DPI (dots per inch) of an image size does not improve the resolution. Low resolution files, such as GIF and PNG, are mainly used as web graphics and will print blocky or "pixelated".
• A 1:10 ratio does not diminish the quality of the final graphics. If our recommended DPI settings are followed and the files are laid out at the correct size under a 1:10 ratio, your graphics will print properly.
• Review your graphics at final size on your monitor before submission. Look for pixilation, over lapping graphics and effects. When viewing your graphics at full size, be sure there are no errors or objects that were not visible when being created.
• Use Vector Art when possible for logos, fonts, and line drawings.
• Vector art uses curves, points and lines to create graphics that can be scaled without pixel count or resolution problems. Most logos are created as vector art. Programs such as Adobe® Illustrator® are used to produce these types of graphics.
• Vector graphics with effects such as glows, drop shadows or transparencies are not recommended. Raster images are preferred when using these effects.
• Specify PMS (Pantone®) colors whenever possible. This will ensure colors are more accurately reproduced.
• Pantone^® colors must be set to 100% opacity. If any transparencies are used, the print may have unexpected results.
• Due to the nature of digital printing, metallic and fluorescent Pantone^® colors cannot be accurately reproduced.
• Pantone^® colors should be picked using a Pantone^® Color Book and not from colors as seen on a monitor.
• When using Pantone^® colors in a raster graphics program (Adobe^® Photoshop^®), you will need to create a color channel for each spot color you wish to use.
• Disclaimer: Due to the nature of the CMYK printing process, the reproduction of defined (Pantone^®) colors is not always 100% possible. In these cases, we will select the closest color we can produce to create a common visual appearance when your graphics and branding are viewed in conjunction with your other products and branding.
• Outline all Fonts.
• Sometimes due to licensing issues, not all fonts can be embedded in a graphics file. Outline all fonts. Converting to outlines will prevent font substitution problems. This is the biggest reason for graphics file rejection and can be easily avoided.
• The required Stroke Strength of fonts and objects ranges from 1mm to 2mm at a 1:1 ratio.
• Stroke is the design term for an outline. Strokes are commonly used on fonts and shapes and applied in many different sizes (thicknesses) and colors. By adhering to our specifications, this will ensure crisp, legible fonts and all strokes in your graphics file will be visible.
• For dark strokes on a light background, the minimum stroke strength of 1mm thickness at a scale of 1:1 (0.1mm at scale 1:10) is recommended.
• For white strokes on a dark background, the minimum stroke strength of 2mm thickness at a scale of 1:1 (0.2mm at scale 1:10) is recommended.
• Bleed is required on all graphics files.
• Bleed is the space on a graphic that goes beyond the cut area. The bleed is required to avoid any white area that could be shown due to slight variations in finishing.
• Generally, 10% bleed is required on all graphics files. Each product requires a different amount of bleed. Use the corresponding graphics templates, which include the required bleed, to avoid production delays.
• Embed ICC Profiles
• ICC Profiles are sets of color data that allow us to more accurately reproduce the colors in your graphics file.
• We prefer to use Coated GRACoL 2006 (ISO 12647-2:2004). However, you may build your graphics file in other CMYK color spaces as long as the ICC profile is embedded.
• Without an embedded profile, we cannot guarantee accurate color reproduction.
• We will not check for Overprint Settings.
• Discard all overprints from vector files. If preserved, unexpected results in colors or content will occur.
• Your graphics files must remain Open & Accessible.
• Before sending your file, ensure that it is not password locked or encrypted.
• Do not disable editing capabilities in your PDF files. This is to ensure that your graphics file will pass through our system without any complications.
• We will not check for Spelling and Typographical Errors.
• Spelling and typographical errors are common. Before submitting your artwork, please be sure to review it thoroughly. A pre-production proof will be provided by us for your final approval. It will show EXACTLY what will be printed and any errors found after a graphic is sent to production cannot be corrected.

 If your graphic is ready, click here to upload.