Emma Davis, 4OVER4 print production voice (illustration)
Emma Davis Print Production Specialist at 4OVER4.COM

Emma is our prepress and print production voice, built from the knowledge of our production team, with over 20 years in printing.

Question

What file formats and specifications should I use when uploading my print files?

Answer

4OVER4 accepts design files uploaded individually or organized in a zip folder, so you can send them whichever way is easier. A print-ready PDF is the preferred format; vector files (AI, EPS), TIFF, JPG, and native Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign files are also accepted, while Word, PowerPoint, and Publisher files cannot be used for production.

  • Attach multiple files, like front and back designs, one by one
  • Or compress them into a single zip file and upload that; a packaged InDesign zip should include all linked images and fonts
  • Follow the product template for size, bleed, and color
  • Build at 300 DPI or higher at final print size (large-format pieces print well at 100 to 150 DPI at full size); files saved at 72-100 DPI print soft or pixelated and may be rejected
  • Work in CMYK; RGB and Pantone colors are converted to CMYK during processing and can shift, so bright blues, greens, and oranges may print differently than they look on screen
  • Add bleed on every side, typically 1/8" (0.125") and 0.25" on some products (check your product page), and keep important text and logos at least 0.125" inside the trim
  • Embed or outline fonts and flatten transparency so nothing reflows or substitutes; a PDF/X-1a export preset handles this automatically
  • Multi-page jobs need one file per page, so a 60-page booklet means 60 PDFs, named in order
  • Spot UV or foil jobs need a separate mask file in solid black marking exactly where the finish lands
  • If the web uploader does not work, contact support for an email address to send files directly, or use a transfer service like WeTransfer for large files

Zipping a multi-file job keeps front and back paired together and avoids missing pages. If you are unsure about your setup, submit the file and request the free online proof; the team reviews it and flags corrections before production, and a hard copy proof is available for $75.00 when color accuracy is critical.

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