Artwork Guidelines
Print Deadlines
To ensure we meet our production deadlines, your artwork must be received by 8am in the correct format. If your artwork is not in a print ready format we are unable to guarantee the turnaround on the website. If your files are not ready for print, the printing deadline will be delayed by at least one working day. Our order turnaround will start once the files are deemed ready for print.
Proofs
Digital PDF proofs will only be sent:
- If you specifically notify us via email that you require a digital proof (PDF) sending back to you.
- If you submit a file that requires alterations and you have selected a file check.
- We will not send you a proof if you submit a PDF X1a file and the file is correct after we have done a preflight check.
Microsoft Documents
We recommend that if you submit a Publisher or Word document you should request a file check. We cannot be held responsible for any issues that may arise if you have not selected a file check and the PDF conversion does not work.
Our Preferred Format
We require PDFs to be supplied as PDF X1a files. If you send your order as a PDF we will assume they are print ready PDF X1a files unless the file checking service has been added to the order.
Other accepted formats
We accept JPEG and TIFF. If you are supplying a non flat file such as the ones below we recommend that you select our file checking service. A PDF X1a proof will be sent only if you request our file checking service and your artwork is changed by our file checkers.
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Indesign
- Abode Photoshop
- Microsoft Powerpoint
- Microsoft Publisher
- Microsoft Word
File Checking
For only £15.00 we will ensure that your files are correct for printing, eliminating any chances of errors.
The benefits of a file check:
- We will ensure you get what you want.
- Make sure your documents have the correct bleed. We will alter files to ensure your print bleed is correct.
- Convert colours from RGB to CMYK.
- Ensure your document is designed in the correct 300dpi resolution.
- Converts non PDF X1a documents into print ready format.
- Checks for missing fonts.
- Ensures that your fold lines are in the correct position.
How to send artwork
- Send your via email to us.
- Upload your files through our online order process.
- Upload your files via our upload page.
- Send your files through the post.
Bleed
We print onto SRA2 sheets alongside other peoples jobs. Your artwork will then be trimmed down to the correct size. We recommend that your artwork has a 3mm bleed. For example an A5 document should be submitted at 216mm x 154mm. The outer 3mm on each side will be trimmed off the edge. Business cards have a 2mm bleed around each edge.
Print Resolution
We require your document to be designed at 300dpi. Web images are usually 72dpi so please ensure you use high resolution images when you are creating your artwork.
CMYK
You must supply your files in CMYK. RGB file colours cannot be replicated into CMYK colours and slight deviation in colour may occur. Microsoft programmes are not designed for print and have a RGB colour setup for viewing on screen.
Same print both sides
If you submit only one design we will assume that this is to be printed single sided with the other side blank. If you require the same artwork printed on both sides you must upload two different files called side1 and side2. Embed your fonts If you send a Microsoft document with unusual fonts the font file must be sent so we can do a PDF X1a conversion. Failure to supply the font will result in a font being substituted.
Brochures
We require brochures and folded flyers to be sent as double page spreads. ie a 12 page brochure or magazine must be sent as 6 spreads of 12 and 1, 2 and 11, 10 and 3, 4 and 9, 8 and 5, 6 and 7. Should you send your files not in this format we will email you back asking for this change to be made.
Artwork File Changes
Once you place your order your files should be your finalised file ready for print. If after you receive your proof and require any changes to the copy you will be required to pay for another file check. It is important that you submit proof read copy before you send
For whatever you need printing we have a product for you:
What do you need?
