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.