FAQ  /  Printing Terms Glossary

Prepress & Files

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What file specifications are needed for hang tags? Hang tag artwork should be a print-ready PDF noting finished size, stock such as 14pt uncoated, print sides and any drill hole, with bleed b… Read answer What bleed and dimensions do I need to provide for a custom belly band template? Build a belly band file at the finished flat length and height, add 0.125 inch bleed on every side, and keep text and logos inside the trim.… Read answer What file format should I use for canvas prints? Canvas prints accept PDF, AI, PSD and JPEG, ideally a 300 DPI CMYK PDF with slightly boosted saturation, since canvas can mute color versus … Read answer What design issues commonly prevent files from being approved for printing? Files get blocked when content runs past the print area, borders blur into the margin, design sets do not match the quantity, or bleed is mi… Read answer How should I provide artwork for a variable data print job like numbered stickers? Variable data jobs like sequentially numbered stickers add a layer of setup beyond a normal print run, because the numbering has to flow cor… Read answer Why is my PDF appearing blurry when I upload it as a sticker design? A sticker design that looks blurry on upload almost always traces back to file resolution or sizing rather than the printer, and both are fi… Read answer Do I need to send a print-ready PDF or can I just send a standard PDF? Standard PDFs are not print-ready; a PDF exported with default or on-screen settings can carry low-resolution images and RGB colors that pri… Read answer How can I prepare PDFs for a print service provider? Preparing a PDF for any print service provider comes down to a handful of settings that keep your file sharp and press-ready.… Read answer How will my printed cards look when viewed up close? Cards look as sharp as your artwork resolution, so keep photos at 300 dpi at final size, since lower resolution prints blurry while vector s… Read answer I designed my files, but I'm not sure if I did it right. How can I find out? Check your file for final size with bleed, CMYK color, safe margins and 300 dpi photos, then approve the proof only when everything looks ri… Read answer I have a border or carefully centered graphic as a part of my design, are they going to be ok? Borders and perfectly centered artwork are the riskiest elements in any print file; every job has a small amount of movement during cutting.… Read answer What can I do if my existing design doesn't fit the print template? If your existing design does not line up with the template, it usually just needs to be resized or rebuilt to the correct dimensions rather … Read answer What file sizes and resolution are recommended for images and photos? Image quality depends on resolution at final size, not file weight, so aim for 300 dpi at the placed size, or at bleed size for edge-to-edge… Read answer How do I set up my artwork for buttons? Button artwork follows normal print-ready rules, with backgrounds to the bleed and key text inside the safe zone, since the edge wraps aroun… Read answer How to setup my file for Die-Cutting? Die-cut orders need two matching files, CMYK artwork with 1/8 inch bleed and a vector cut line saved as EPS or PDF, aligned at the same size… Read answer How to setup my files for Kiss-Cut Sticker or Label Projects? Send CMYK artwork at the finished size with 0.125 inch bleed at 300 dpi, plus a matching vector kiss-cut file (EPS or PDF) marking the cut p… Read answer How can I know that the flips on my 3D Lenticular prints will look fine? No screen can preview a lenticular flip exactly, so use strong frame differences, few transitions, no tiny text and 300 DPI files for the be… Read answer How do I set up my files for Lenticular orders? Lenticular files need two things to print well: 300 DPI resolution so the interlaced frames stay crisp, and 1/8" bleed on all four sides for… Read answer How do I setup a Raised Spot UV job? A Raised Spot UV job needs your print file plus a matching mask, usually solid black shapes on white, marking exactly where the raised UV go… Read answer How do I setup a Spot UV job? Spot UV setup takes your full-color print file and an aligned Spot UV mask file, typically solid black on white, that shows where the gloss … Read answer How do I setup artwork for Brown Kraft Cards with White Ink? On Brown Kraft cards, white ink can print first as a base so CMYK colors stay bright, while areas without the white layer let the kraft show… Read answer Do I need to set up my adhesive vinyl prints with bleeds? All adhesive vinyl prints need 1/8" bleed on every side, with background colors extended into it, so no thin white slivers show after trimmi… Read answer How do I setup a clear window cling with white ink? On Clear Window Clings, add a separate white ink layer wherever you want opaque areas, and leave it out wherever the glass should show throu… Read answer What file format should I use for merge data when ordering personalized prints? Personalized or variable-data prints pull from a data file, and CSV is the format to use for merge data. Provide your merge data as a CSV fi… Read answer

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