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How to prepare files for printing correctly?
Digital printing
Submit the design file in PDF format (preferably prepared with Adobe Creative Suite software). In a multi-page document, each page must be centred on its own sheet (centre automatically, not manually). No imposition is required.
Save the PDF according to the PDF/X-1A standard. All professional graphics applications offer this option. It ensures that all transparent objects, shadows, gradients and the like will print correctly.
Use raster images with a resolution higher than 200 dpi in the artwork.
All colours in the artwork must be in the CMYK colour palette, not RGB. If Pantone colours are used, they cannot be reproduced with 100% accuracy in digital printing. If colours are very important to you, request a printed proof (for an additional fee) for approval before printing. Metallic Pantone colours such as gold, silver or bronze cannot technically be printed digitally.
Crop marks must be placed around the artwork so that the artwork extends 3 mm beyond the marks on each side. This is required for accurate trimming. Fold and crease positions must also be indicated.
Do not use Overprint on coloured or white objects.
The file name should describe the job as clearly as possible.
Attach a printed proof if you submit the file on a disc or USB flash drive. If you submit the file electronically, attach a JPG or PDF file that clearly shows the artwork.
Large format printing
Accepted file formats – TIFF, JPG (use high-quality settings), PDF (PDF/X-1A standard).
Use raster images with a resolution higher than 100 dpi in the artwork.
All colours in the artwork must be in the CMYK colour palette, not RGB.
Crop marks must be placed around the artwork. Fold and crease positions must also be indicated. The background must extend at least 2 mm beyond the trim line.
For a rich black, add the other CMYK colours: C30, M30, Y30, K100
Fonts in the artwork must be converted to curves (outlines). Text smaller than 9 pt is not recommended.
In a multi-page document, each page must be centred on its own sheet in the PDF file. All pages must be the same size. No imposition is required.
Do not use Overprint on coloured or white objects.
The file name should describe the job as clearly as possible.
Offset printing
Submit the design file in PDF format (preferably prepared with Adobe Creative Suite software). In a multi-page document, each page must be centred on its own sheet (centre automatically, not manually). No imposition is required.
Save the PDF according to the PDF/X-1A standard. All professional graphics applications offer this option. It ensures that all transparent objects, shadows, gradients and the like will print correctly.
Use raster images with a resolution of 300 dpi in the artwork.
All colours in the artwork must be in the CMYK colour palette, not RGB. If Pantone colours are used, define them according to the Pantone Solid Formula guide.
Crop marks must be placed around the artwork so that the artwork extends 3 mm beyond the marks on each side. This is required for accurate trimming. Fold and crease positions must also be indicated.
Make sure there is no small black text (under 9 pt) or thin lines made up of all CMYK colours (for example: C86, M50, Y46, K100). Use black only (K100) for these elements.
For a rich black, add the other CMYK colours: C30, M30, Y30, K100
Do not use Overprint on coloured or white objects.
The file name should describe the job as clearly as possible.
Attach a printed proof if you submit the file on a disc or USB flash drive. If you submit the file electronically, attach a JPG or PDF file that clearly shows the artwork.
Screen printing
Crop marks must be placed around the artwork so that the artwork extends 3 mm beyond the marks on each side. This is required for accurate trimming.
Colours in the artwork should be specified according to the PANTONE Solid Color guide.
Raster images are not recommended in the artwork. If raster images are used, they must be black and white (Bitmap), without halftones or gradients, and the resolution must not be lower than 600 dpi.
Clearly indicate the varnish elements in the artwork and in the preview files.
Fonts in screen printing artwork must be converted to curves (outlines).
The minimum permitted line thickness is 0.2 mm.
The file name should describe the job as clearly as possible.
Finishing
If a die-cut shape is used in the artwork, it must be supplied as a separate file so that the crop marks align with the artwork, together with a JPG preview file showing what the finished product looks like. The distance between cutting lines must be at least 2 mm, and between creases at least 3 mm. Mark crease/score positions with a line of a different colour so that they can be distinguished from the cutting line.
For UV varnishing, a separate file must be prepared so that the crop marks align with the artwork file. Do not apply varnish to fold or crease areas.
For wire-bound jobs, allow 1 cm in the artwork for the binding.
For numbering, specify the range and series. E.g.: AE000001-AE000528.
Fonts in laser-cutting and plotter-cutting artwork must be converted to curves (outlines).
Only vector files are used for laser cutting and plotter cutting. Do not use raster images (Bitmap).
For embossing and foil stamping, do not use lines thinner than 0.2 mm. The die must be prepared as vector graphics in a separate document; the position of the die on the PDF (PDF/X-1A) page must match the position in the print file. Also attach a JPG or PDF preview of the job.
