Preparing files for a printer can be difficult if you are unsure of standard requirements for printing. Luckily, Ignition Creative Group has an award-winning and talented Art Department in-house that can help! We do charge to handle and fix your files if they are not suitable for print. We also charge if your job has to be reprinted because of submitting improper files. Check margins, bleeds, folds, colors, spelling, etc… BEFORE sending.
If you provide files as “print ready” we will print “as is”.
1. File Size
We require files setup ACTUAL SIZE at 300 dpi minimum (350 preferred).
Files must be supplied in a format based on your specific printing requirements: Black ink only, Pantone® spot color(s), or CMYK full color printing.
2. Color
When CMYK full color printing, convert all Pantone® spot colors to CMYK before saving. For sharper, finer Black text, use 100% Black only (not a CMYK build or Process Black). For large areas of Black only, use a combination of C=40% M=30% Y=20% K=100%. All imported pictures and graphics MUST be in CMYK format BEFORE you place into your document. RGB images do not process correctly.
What is the difference between the RGB and CMYK?
RGB refers to the primary colors of light, Red, Green and Blue, that are used in monitors, television screens, digital cameras and scanners. CMYK refers to the primary colors of pigment: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. These are the inks used on the press in 4-color printing. The combination of RGB light creates white, while the combination of CMYK inks creates black. Therefore, it is physically impossible for the printing press to exactly reproduce colors as we see them on our monitors. We request that you convert your colors from RGB to CMYK if your tools allow you to. By doing it yourself, you have maximum control over the results.
3. Bleeds
For jobs that bleed (ink running off the edge of the sheet) we run on oversize sheets. We need a minimum of 1/8” bleed for backtrimming. This elimates any white edges. For example; if you are designing an 8.5” x 11”, your document size will be 8.75” x 11.25” including the bleed.
4. Safety Zone
All critical elements (text, images, logos, etc…) must be kept at least 0.125” inside the trim edge. Anything too close to the edge may be cut off during trimming.
5. Printer’s Marks
Files must include all folding ticks and cut marks so we know where to cut and fold your job (you can also request a custom template).
6. Fonts
Since there are literally thousands of fonts available on both Mac’s and PC’s; it becomes a problem to be sure that everyone has access to the same fonts and can display your images properly. When digital art is supplied with missing fonts, we cannot process your job in production. The answer to this problem is to either embed your fonts or convert them to outlines. Outlining fonts will allow us to insure text will not shift or default to another font.
We accept PDF, TIFF, JPEG, PSD, AI or EPS. Be sure to flatten your files, embed images and fonts, create outlines or rasterize all fonts before sending.
7. PDF Settings
Embed all fonts. Save as PRESS QUALITY compatible with Acrobat 7 (PDF 1.6) or newer.
8. InDesign Notes
Save in PRESS QUALITY format. When you want to soften / tint a color, avoid layering white over the color to achieve this. Instead simply “tint screen the color” itself (white transparent layers may not PDF correctly and can be “lost” when rendering).
Keep in mind that if you provide “print ready files” in most cases we cannot manipulate or correct these files. We also DO NOT know the quality of your job until the job is fully printed. Providing a hard copy sample of your file (for our reference) is always appreciated. Then we know exactly what you expect for the finished product. And always be sure to save your working files in case you need to correct issues and resend.