File setup guide
Get a perfect print the first time.
Send a PDF
PDF keeps your fonts and layout exactly as designed. High-resolution JPG, PNG or TIFF files work too. We also accept AI, EPS and PSD.
Use CMYK color
Presses print with cyan, magenta, yellow and black ink. Files set up in RGB (screen color) get converted, and very bright colors can print a little darker.
300 DPI images
Images should be 300 DPI at the size they will print. Pictures copied from websites or social media are usually 72 DPI and will look blurry.
Add 0.125" bleed
Extend your background color or photo 0.125 inch past the edge on every side. A 3.5" x 2" business card file should be 3.75" x 2.25".
Keep a safe zone
Keep text and logos at least 0.125 inch inside the trim line. Anything closer to the edge could get trimmed off.
Embed or outline fonts
Embed fonts when you save your PDF, or convert text to outlines, so your text prints in the font you chose.
Anatomy of a print file
Bleed, trim and safe zone
- Bleed: background runs past the edge, then gets cut off.
- Trim line: where the paper is cut.
- Safe zone: keep words and logos inside this line.
Keep text in here
Reference
Common sizes with bleed
| Product | Finished size | File size with bleed |
|---|---|---|
| Business card | 3.5" x 2" | 3.75" x 2.25" |
| Postcard | 6" x 4" | 6.25" x 4.25" |
| Postcard | 7" x 5" | 7.25" x 5.25" |
| Flyer | 8.5" x 11" | 8.75" x 11.25" |
| Rack card | 4" x 9" | 4.25" x 9.25" |
| Poster | 11" x 17" | 11.25" x 17.25" |
| Yard sign | 24" x 18" | 24" x 18" (no bleed needed) |
Banners, signs and other large items: send your file at the finished size. We'll confirm anything special when we check your file.
Rather skip the setup?
Our studio can set up or design the whole thing for you.