How to Setup Your Files for:

  Graphic Designers
  Best Results
  Rich Blacks
  Microsoft Files
  PDF Files
  Details for the
    Do-it-Yourselfer

  Free to Low Cost
   Software Available

  Using Borders &
    Horizontal Rules
  File Match
    Guarantee

Calculate Your Colour Printing Costs:

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Information:

The Hard Part Made Easier By GFX

We have 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 is why we deal with every order on an individual basis. It is part of the process of making sure your colour printing, whether on business cards or on plastic gift cards, turn out the way you imagined. However, our printing services are typically for graphic designers very familiar with file preparation as we cannot provide any personal tutoring if you do not have the recommended software.

Doing it Yourself? Read Below if you Need More Further Details of File Preparation

We also don't recommend using a paint program such as Photoshop for text only (specifically on a white background), 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 (see above for Rich Blacks).

• Are the files CMYK? Greyscale for the back only, unless printing color both sides;
• Are any graphics a minimum of 300 dpi (Maximum 375 dpi);
• 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 and lines 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

GFX Printing is an offset printing company and we do not accept PDF files as final artwork.

Proofs

We provide digital proofs of submitted artwork that you send us if you requested a digital proof on the order form. We also 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.

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 a 100% perfect match. If the files we print match the files you sent us, the cost of reprinting them is borne by you. Our prepress staff check files carefully and give you as many opportunities as you need to fix your files before they go to press. We do not charge you for printing until we receive correctly formatted files. However, note that if you need to send files more than twice, there is a service fee associated with this at $25 per additional upload.

Please follow the guidelines and instructions carefully to avoid delays and/or additional service fees.