File Specifications
We require that you include your document fonts, convert them to outlines, or embed them in your file, and we also recommend some kind of proof so that we can verify that no problems have occurred in transferring your file to our system. A low jpeg or pdf file works great for this purpose, but be sure to name in such a way that we know it's for proofing purposes and not be used for the printing of your job. Labeling it as Proof Only will work fine. If you decide to send us a PDF file for printing be sure you save the file properly because we will have limited ability to change what you give us. In general, you want to save a pdf file that contains all the resolution of your original and doesn't jpeg compress the images. Contact us for questions regarding how to properly create these types of files.
BleedsIf your print requires mounting, die cutting, or the size is critical, then you should allow for 1/4" bleed on all sides of your file or outside the cutting path. If you are ordering double sided prints, you should allow 1/2" bleed. This will allow us to trim your print to size more precisely without having the paper edge show. If the final trim size of your print can vary by 1/8" or if your print doesn't require mounting, then bleed is not necessary.
Multi-panel PrintsFor jobs such as murals, tradeshow backdrops, wallpaper prints or others that require the job be printed in multiple sections, it's best to leave your design as a single large image rather than trying to break it into panels for us. If you split the image up yourself, we loose control over any adjustments that need to be made for overlap of the panels. Resolution and File Size
The proper resolution for scanned images is really dependent on the viewing distance for the finished print, and the quality you would like. For viewing distances of 5 feet or more, images should be at least 100 dpi at their actual final output size, and we recommend 150 dpi. At viewing distances of 10 feet or greater, 72 dpi images at the actual print size will produce good results. For image that are to be viewed closer than 5 feet, higher resolution images are required for the best quality output. A minimum of 150 dpi at the final output size is recommended for images viewed from 2-3 feet, with 200 - 300 dpi at the actual print size being recommend for prints viewed closer than 2 feet. There is no noticeable improvement in images above 300 dpi, but if your print contains text or line art elements that are part of the bitmap image, higher resolutions could be beneficial. In general, it is best to leave these types of elements in their native form for the best quality output.
Scans can be in either RGB or CMYK. We find that on glossy medias or for backlit images, the RGB color space provides the best color depth and contrast, but there is not a significant difference on more matte finished medias. Files tend to reproduce more accurately in CMYK, but our color profiling minimizes this difference.
We use the US Web Coated (SWOP) profile for CMYK images, and the Adobe RGB (1998) profile for RGB images. For the most accurate color, you can either use these profiles for your images as well, or embed your working profiles in your images and we'll convert them to our space for accurate color.
All files and layouts should be setup at actual size if possible. Keep in mind that your images should fit the resolution guidelines above when enlarged to their final size. For example, a 300 dpi image at 1/4 scale will only be 75 dpi when printed at actual size.
For any job where the final color is critical, we recommend a color proof before we run your final prints. The extra cost could easily pay for itself if problems are found with the color. Contact us if you have questions about this process and we will help you determine the best approach for your job.
SHORT-RUN FILE SPECIFICATIONS
Design Files:
- Adobe InDesign CS2
- Adobe Photoshop CS2 (.psd_layered or .tiff)
- Adobe Illustrator CS2 (.ai or .eps)
- Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)
Colors:
Make sure artwork is in CMYK. It is best to design in VMYK rather than converting a RGB file later for print. When you convert from RGB to CMYK, colors usually become darker.
Colors must be CMYK we do NOT print in RGB of Pantone Colors.
When you are designing a black and white postcard double check that the file is grayscale and the black is 100% rather than it being a 4-color black. If it is a CMYK black then it will be charged as 4-color, or you will be charged design time to convert the file.
Color Matching: Colors you see on your monitor or output from most inkjet printers will NOT accurately reflect the actual colors we print on our CMYK 4-color process printing. If you are concerned about color, purchase a color proof from us to review before we go to print.
We will do our best to match colors but because of variations inherent in the printing process we cannot guarantee an exact match.
Try to limit the size of large solid areas of one color, as these might result in poor quality. try to add noise/pattern to the area.
Graphics
Make sure all artwork is at least 300 DPI. If your design is lower than 300 DPI the image will be choppy and jagged. Trying to increase the resolution will only make the design or image blurry.
Graphics files can be reduced in size, but will pixilated if enlarged.
Never take images off the web, unless they say high resolution. Web images are only 72 DPI, very small RGB files. These low-resolution images will print very poorly.
DO NOT include gif files for digital printing.
If we feel your art will print poorly, but you want to use it anyway, you may be required to sign a waiver before we proceed.
If you are using transparencies or filters, please flatten all files before they are sent over.
• Print Resolution
• Graphics At Least 300 DPI
• Text or Vector 600 - 1200 DPI
Design
Please include BLEEDS with your design files. Make sure bleed size is 1/8 inch larger than the design file on all sides, and that all the content is at least 1/8 inch away from trim size. This will ensure that there is no white edge and no important information gets cut off.
Please layout your design files 1-up with no printer or crop marks.
When your design have any type of lines, make sue it is not a “hairline”, as these will not print well. Set the line at least .25 points or .003 inches in width.
Borders less than .25 cannot be guaranteed the same size on all trim edges.
Final Trim Size: Bleed Size: Safety Zone:
4 x 6 4.25 x 6.25 3.75 x 5.75
8.5 x 5.5 8.75 x 5.75 8.25 x 5.25
6 x 9 6.25 x 9.25 5.7 x 8.75
5.5 x 11 5.75 x 11.25 5.25 x 10.75
8.5 x 11 (No Bleed) 8.25 x 10.75
Please include all fonts with your design files or convert fonts to outlines in your graphic files. Use OTF fonts for cross platform (mac/pc) ability.
Print Ready PDF files:
A PDF made to the printer’s specs is better than native files, although, If changes are needed files must go back to the designer for edits.
- If you have the choice use distiller to create your PDF files.
- Embed all fonts
- Do NOT subset fonts
- True Type Font: Download as soft font
- Postscript Output Option: Optimized for portability
- True Type Font Download: Outlines
Have the designer preflight their files before that are packaged and sent This will save time and issues.
- Graphics are CMYK
- Fonts are flattened or included
- Linked Graphic files are included
- Graphic files are Flattened / Print Ready
- Bleed / Safety Zone are is correct
INDOOR PRINTING FILE SPECIFICATIONS
Design Files:
- Adobe InDesign CS2
- Adobe Photoshop CS2 (.psd_layered or .tiff)
- Adobe Illustrator CS2 (.ai or .eps)
- Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)
Artwork Specifications
- Artwork must be set up to final print size or in pro with at least 3mm image bleed around all sides
- All images must be saved in the following formats EPS, TIF, JPG & PSD.
Supplied Artwork
- All artwork can be supplied on either of the following CD / DVD, EMAIL, Files sent Email should be identified clearly in a folder with client name or job reference.
- Artwork supplied must have all images and fonts
- Artwork supplied must have a proof for content
- File sent EMAIL should have a PDF attached for content
- If no proof has been sent then Studio58 will PDF the final print file for client approval
- Unfortunately, if no proof or approval has been given then Studio58 cannot be held responsible for any problems when printed.
Colour Management
- Listed below is the colour workflow for all large format printing devices
HP Z6100 Designjet (Vivera Pirgment Ink) RGB
HP Z5100 Designjet (Dye Ink) RGB
All scans must be supplied in the relevant colour space.
• If requested, Pantone Spot Colours will be matched as close as the print process allows.
OUTDOOR PRINTING
Design Files:
ROLAND Files Specs: CMYK
72 DPI - Actual Size
File Format: must be TIFF, JPG & CDR
52” width maximum
FLORA CMYK
72 DPI - Actual Size
File Format: JPG
10 feet width maximum
PHOTO DIGITAL PRINTING (DURST LAMBDA)
Design Files:
Adobe Photoshop CS2 (.psd_layered, JPG or .tiff)
Supplied Artwork
- All artwork can be supplied on either of the following CD / DVD, EMAIL, Files sent Email should be identified clearly in a folder with client name or job reference.
Colour Management
- Listed below is the colour workflow for all large format printing devices
DURST LAMBDA (Photographic) RGB
Resolution: 200 DPI
Color Profile: Adobe RGB 1998 / SRGB IEC61966