Please read requirements and watch the videos below for instructions. Prepare files yourself to avoid any unnecessary fees or delays.
Priority #1: Size
Make sure your document size is your final printed (trim) size. Here are the steps to do it in the most common applications.
Per-app menu paths (show each on screen): This does not include the steps to include bleed or Text Margin. See videos for further explanation. This is priority #1
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Photoshop: File > New. Set Units to Inches. Width/Height = final size (e.g., 4 x 6). Resolution 300 ppi. Color Mode CMYK. Create.
- Illustrator: File > New. Choose the Print tab. Units: Inches. Width/Height = final size. Color Mode CMYK. Create. (Artboard = your final size.)
- InDesign: File > New > Document. Print tab. Units: Inches. Width/Height = final size. Uncheck Facing Pages for single pieces. Create.
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Affinity (Publisher/Designer/Photo): File > New. Choose a Print preset or type Width/Height = final size in inches. DPI 300. Color format CMYK for print. Create.
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Canva: Create a design > Custom size. Switch the unit dropdown from px to in (inches). Enter Width/Height = final size. Create new design. (Note: free Canva can't resize later — that tool is Pro-only — so get this right first.)
Priority #2: Bleed/Trim/Resolution
Does your job need a bleed? Are you not sure what a bleed is? Please watch the videos below for further instructions. Prepare files yourself to avoid any unnecessary fees or delays. We prefer an 1/8th of an inch bleed (0.125”), a margin of ¼ of an inch for text (0.25”), 300 dpi or greater for photos, CMYK color space (not RGB), and single sheet spreads. For Business Cards an 1/8th – 3/16th of an inch margin is acceptable. Please
Priority #3: File type - Always PDF, NOT PNG
We require a PDF, ideally standard PDF/X-4:2010 (if you are in Adobe) or “Best for Print” PDF from Canva.
Helpful Videos:
Understanding Bleed/Trim/Margin (ignore not including crop marks, we prefer crop marks included):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1Fo6ZRlarI
With Adobe Express:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0YtP-cbR5A
With Canva:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfecvTvpXGw
With Adobe Illustrator:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYlioByHNsc
With Adobe Photoshop:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5D1kQlnfMok
With Adobe InDesign (we prefer single sheet spreads)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVj4pwIAesQ
Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat - CMYK, Color Correction (Rich Black), Spot Colors, Text Outlines, Preflight, 300 DPI Images, Packaging
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb51tgPZp2Q
How to setup a virtual printer on a Mac: