The ‘Hard’ Part Made Easier By GFX
We’ve done everything we possibly can to simplify the online printing
ordering process. We realize though that there can be individual
complexities in the file setup and transferring process. That’s
why we deal with every colour printing order on an individual basis; making sure your cards turn out the
way you imagined.
The Basics ... for Graphic Designers
- Simple Calibration: At the very minimum, your monitor needs to be calibrated using Adobe Gamma (comes bundled with Photoshop).
- Colour Profile: U.S. Sheetfed Coated v2.
- Colour Space: CMYK.
- Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI (Max. 375 DPI). For example web graphics are typically 72 or 96 DPI, which means they will never print nice and crisp.
- Full Bleed: 1/8" on any side that bleeds.
- Rich Blacks (Solid Backgrounds Only): We recommend C50% M50% Y50% and K100%. Not recommended for text.
- File Type: EPS or TIFF only (fonts converted and layers flattened).
- Archive: Save all files in a single Zip or StuffIt archive before transferring.
Click here for Microsoft Publisher specifications.
Instructions for sending us files will be provided after you place your order. Low resolution JPEGs should be provided with your high resolution vector files as proofs. |
Read Below if you Need More Explicit Details of File Preparation - Further Details
We also don't recommend using a paint program such as Photoshop for text only, unless there's special effects or it's on a colored background (make sure the font is fairly heavy). If you do not have a drawing program such as Illustrator or CorelDraw, increase the resolution to 1200 or 2400 dpi (line art); this solution is only recommended for black text on a white background.
- Are the files CMYK? Greyscale for the back only, unless printing color both sides;
- Have you checked the canvas size? Image size and canvas size are 2 different things.
Allow 1/8" on any side that bleeds, and 1/8" on the inside "live" area that doesn't get trimmed. Also see File Hints.
- Have you named all files (ZIP, SIT, TIF, EPS, etc.) so that we can figure out who the file belongs to? YOURNAME.EPS /TIF /ZIP /SIT is good.
- Have you converted fonts to curves (CorelDraw), outlines (Illustrator) or paths (Freehand)? In Photoshop, it's "render type layer"*. Save your original files in case they need to be modified and resubmitted.
- Have you exported the file without any further compression (i.e.: no LZW or JPEG? These will add a distinct fuzziness to your completed print job even if it's not visible on your or our monitor).
- Note that compressed files such as *.zip or *.sit is not the same thing as using compression within a program such as Photoshop.
DO NOT embed a JPEG, web graphics or clipart within your files! These will result in the same poor quality for which we are not responsible.
- For the back, have you triple-checked spelling and grammar? We do not proofread your artwork.
- Finally, stuff or zip (compress) your file(s) and send it to us!
Instructions for sending us files will be provided after you place your order. Low resolution JPEGs should be provided with your high resolution files: this gives us the opportunity to see what you see.
Borders/Horizontal Rules (Lines)
If you plan on adding a border around the edge of the card, we
recommend that it not be smaller than 1/4"; 1/8" for trimming
and 1/8" on the inside visible area. This is especially crucial
for business cards where the border will almost always trim off
balance due to the nature of trimming and the small size. For example,
on a 4x6 postcard, 1/16" off balance is barely noticeable, but
quite noticeable on a 3.5 x 2 business card. Use small borders at
your own risk!
 
Horizontal rules/lines may not output if they are smaller than
.25". If supplying a TIFF file with small/fine lines, they
will appear jagged or not print at all.
PDF Files
As an offset printer, we do not accept PDF files as final artwork for our standard colour printing. We only accept them for our Printing Specials, which is digital printing.
For Best Results
1) Use a photo editing tool such as Photoshop to scan, crop, correct, etc. photographs and save them as 300dpi (375dpi maximum) CMYK TIFF files, then;
2) Place the photograph into a drawing program such as Illustrator to add your text on top of the photograph;
3) Always try to use a drawing program such as Illustrator for large blocks of text like the back of a postcard or contact information on the front of a business cards.
4) Always keep in mind that vector files (Illustrator/CorelDraw/Freehand) will produce the best results since they are not resolution dependent like bitmapped files (TIFF or JPEG).
Click here to see examples || Click here to learn how to setup Perf Cards |
Software Alternatives
Don't have Photoshop or Illustrator? Below are some links to low-cost or free alternatives - note that we have no experience with these programs and cannot help you, nor can we guarantee they will be compatible files for offset printing:
Photo Imaging:
Draw/Vector Imaging:
We also have 1000s of free stock photos and images (postcard printing only) if you find all these programs too daunting -- we'll do all the file preparation for you! |
Proofs
We do not supply proofs
of submitted artwork that you send us, unless you request a digital proof on the ordre form. We do, however, check your
files and notify you prior to printing if there are any potential
problems that we notice. Because
of the nature of offset gang printing, we do not provide nor recommend
film-based proofs such as Matchprints. If you are supplying any
type of file other than TIFFs or JPEGs, please provide us with 72dpi
proofs, eg: EPS files supplied as final artwork should also include
72dpi JPEG proofs.
Need More Information on Preparing Artwork?
We regret that we can't offer personal tutoring for any particular
software package should you need further assistance in preparing
your files. Your GFX customer service representative will try to
assist you if you need clarification on any of the above.
Microsoft Publisher 2003 - Note the deadline!
Publisher files for postcards and business cards only -- see Brochure/Flyer page for file types we accept for them. Also, refer to each product page for their own set up and specifications.
Using Microsoft? We accept MS Publisher 2003 files for postcards and business cards only. Please note that we have to make a number of alterations to Publisher files, eg: we convert images and graphics from RGB to CMYK, as well as make many other revisions to them before we can actually use them. If you are using your own photographs in publications, please ensure that they are at least 300 DPI (maximum 375 DPI). We may ask you to send the photographs separately as TIFF files so that we can rebuild the file to our specifications. DO NOT USE PACK AND GO WIZARD. To avoid potential problems, use only truetype fonts that come with Office 2003: see Microsoft's site for a list of included fonts at Microsoft's site. If you send *.pub files, you'll also have to include JPEG files as proofs and the deadline to place an order and send files is Friday before 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time, not Monday, due to the additional time we require to convert your files.
Fees to Convert Publisher
If you would like us to convert your Publisher file for anything other than postcards or business cards, the cost is $50.00 and also includes a digital proof for you to approve prior to printing.
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Your Supplied Artwork
You are 100% responsible for the accuracy of your layouts. Please
proofread all layouts carefully. As postal regulations are subject
to change, you are responsible for complying with current mailing
restrictions for backside layouts. Check with your local Post Office
if you plan on using bulk rates.
If we have any problems with your artwork, we will notify you prior
to printing it. We try to review files within 24 hours of receipt.
Our review process is nominal, however, and it's your responsibility
to follow our guidelines.
What's Your Guarantee?
If the files we print don't match the files you sent us, we will
reprint it at no charge. Exceptions include RGB or Pantones to
CMYK conversions, PDFs, embedded profiles, or slight trimming imperfections.
We do not guarantee an exact match. If the files we print match
the files you sent us, the cost of reprinting them is borne by you.
Please follow the guidelines and instructions carefully.
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