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 order on an individual basis. It’s why we’re prepared to work with you (and your artwork) on a personal basis. It’s part of the process of making sure your cards turn out the way you imagined.

Basic Details for Designers

You'll have to supply TIFF or EPS files: layers/type flattened and fonts converted to outlines (Illustrator), curves (CorelDraw) or paths (Freehand), CMYK and 300/375 dpi (maximum).

• EPS or TIFF files (Mac or PC): Photoshop CS3, Illustrator CS3, CorelDraw, Freehand.
• Fonts converted to outlines, paths or curves and/or layers flattened.
• Check Your Black Text! In Photoshop, you have to manually change the default black to K100%.
• Bleeds: add 1/8" to any side that bleeds, eg: if all 4 sides bleed, add 1/4" to the total canvas size.
• Rich Blacks (Solid Backgrounds Only): We recommend C50% M50% Y50% and K100%. For solid backgrounds only, not type.
• What does Rich Black mean? If using a photograph that has dark areas, CMYK values occur naturally in shadows, which you don't have to worry about. If creating something with a solid black background on the front, using only 100%K will print closer to a dark grey, and it's these blacks you may want enriched. For black type, only use K100%.
• If you are a design, publishing or advertising firm submitting files on behalf of your client, please name the files as your company name, not the client name.

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, 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.

Note that embedding a JPEG, web graphics or clipart within your files 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 graphics should be provided with your high resolution files: this gives us the opportunity to see what you see.

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: convert images and graphics from RGB to CMYK and save them as *.wmf files. If you are using your own photographs in publications, please ensure that they are at least 300dpi. 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, not Monday, due to the additional time we require to convert your files.

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, not digital, we do not accept PDF files as final artwork.

Helpware

Photos and Slides

We can scan your photographs, slides and transparencies (up to 8" x 10"). Please mail them to:

GFX
3163 Winston Churchill Blvd.
PO Box 26042
Mississauga, ON L5L 5W7 CANADA

Negatives: Don't send us negatives! Have the negative turned into a photograph or a "positive" and send it to us.

When sending your photographs or transparencies, please accompany them with an order form that can be easily printed from our web site.

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.

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.