If you don't, we'll put you in time-out. Seriously, if your artwork is set up following our templates, the process is foolproof and your order will be completed quicker (yes... quicker is better).

 

We recommend saving as pdf files. You may also send files in the following types: pdf, jpg, tif, eps, ai, and png. You must send pdf, ai, and eps files with outlined fonts. Remember to add crop marks and flatten your files before uploading.

 

You should always start and finish your designs in CMYK color mode. Again, flatten your files before uploading.

 

Bleed must extend further than the cut line. Use one of our templates to see this. Keep all text and anything you do not want cut at least .125" away from the cut line. When sending an eps or pdf, make sure you include crop marks so we can cut the job correctly.

 

Yes, but if the border is too close to the cutline, it may be cut off-center slightly. We cut through many sheets at a time, so watch your borders to avoid an unwanted mistake.

 

We require print ready files with proper rotation. Files submitted are printed HEAD to HEAD as-is based off your files. Make sure to set up your files so that when we print them HEAD to HEAD the final product will read the way you would like. Also, front and back files need to be set up either both sides vertically or both sides horizontally. For files not properly set up, we will use best judgment and will not be responsible for improper rotation.

 

Always convert your spot color to CMYK and flatten before sending.

 

When sending artwork, do not send extra files, like proofs or samples, because they might get printed. Only send the files you want printed.

 

Primarily used to intentionally overlap inks for a number of reasons, overprint can cause unexpected results. We suggest that you turn all overprint objects off before submitting your files.

 

We are specifically set up to process one side at a time, and this requires that each side of a job must be on a separate file. Not separating files will cause delays and you might have to send the files again. Remember to separate the pages of your .pdf files as well. You may (and should) zip your files before uploading.

 

When creating a Spot UV job, You must include a Spot UV template file along with the regular full color file. The Spot UV template file is used to show where the UV will be placed. Use 100% K to indicate where you would like the UV. White will indicate no UV.

 

When using a blue in your design, always make sure to leave at least a 30% difference in your Cyan and Magenta values. Blue is close to purple in the CMYK spectrum. Remember, use a low amount of magenta whenever using high amounts of cyan to avoid purple.

 

When exporting from any program such as InDesign or Illustrator, use these settings to make sure your pdf files export correctly.
1. Adobe PDF Preset is set to: Press Quality
2. Compatibility is set to: Acrobat 4 (PDF 1.3)
3. Compress Text and Line Art is set to: Off

 

Grayscale images that are converted to CMYK will have a color shift in the final print. That shift may be green or yellow.

 

Always check the CMYK values of your grayscale in the final CMYK document. If there are other values other then K in your grayscale image, there is a chance that the color will vary.

 

To eliminate all values other then K, use your Channel Mixer (adjustment layer) in Photoshop, then click "Monochrome" and adjust accordingly.

 

Rich black is an ink mixture of solid black, 100% K, with additional CMY ink values. This results in a darker tone than black ink alone. If you print black alone as 100% K, the resulting black may not be as dark as you would like.

 

We recommend using
C: 60 M: 40 Y: 40 K: 100

 

This will give you a deep, dark, rich black.

 

Cracking at the edges of business cards sometimes occurs when the card contains high values of ink (dark colors). This usually happens on a small amount of cards in the run. To prevent this, use lighter colors or if you must use dark colors, use as little ink as possible.

 

When a job is coated with UV then scored and folded the job may begin to crack. During use, the cracks will become bigger and the ink may start to chip off.

 

Cracking is normal when coated jobs are scored and folded. Ordering the job without UV will help but may not prevent this. As the job is used and folded more and more, cracking will eventually happen.

 

Many things can cause banding. Banding can be caused by the program it is exported from, or too many gradient steps, for example... going from a very light color to a dark color in a small area will cause banding.

 

To prevent this, check your digital files before sending. If you use a gradient, make sure it has enough room for a smooth transition.

 

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