File Format:

1. For straight output, our preferred file format is CMYK Adobe Photoshop EPS at final printed size with a resolution of 150ppi and no bleed.

2. If your job will be digitally diecut or will require alterations, then the preferred file format is CMYK Adobe Illustrator AI with outlined fonts and all images provided and linked as Adobe Photoshop EPS with a resolution of 150ppi at the final printed size. Files that will be digitally diecut must include .125″ bleed on all sides.

3. If your Photoshop image size is larger than 1.5GB or 30,000 pixels in either dimension, then you will need to lower the resolution otherwise you cannot save the images as an EPS (Limit in Photoshop).

4. Please note that Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop have a 2GB file limit. This includes all linked files. If the sum of your linked files exceeds 2GB then Adobe Illustrator cannot embed the linked files.

5. We also accept the following formats but additional pre-imaging fees may apply: “Press Quality” PDF, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, and Quark XPress. All Quark Xpress documents created on the PC platform must be saved as “Press Quality” PDF files, or be converted to Adobe Photoshop EPS files.

6. If you anticipate type changes or you are using Quark Xpress or Adobe Indesign, you must include the fonts used in your files. Please use “collect for output” or “package” as opposed to making copies of font folders on the desktop.

7. If you are creating the file in Quark Xpress, you will need to reduce files larger than 48 inches to a proportional size. (Quark Xpress does not allow files larger than 48 inches in either dimension.) We will resize the final print file to your desired output size when the file is printed.

8. All files are printed as full color process, so working in 1 or 2 colors will not lower costs. All files must be CMYK or CMYK based Pantone colors.

9. For color accuracy, please reference all Pantone colors and include a color proof for each file.

10. Please create a PDF which we can reference for content. Review your PDF carefully to ensure all elements appear as they should in the final output.

File Preparation:

1. All Photoshop files should be CMYK and saved as an EPS. In the EPS Options box you must change the preview to Macintosh (JPEG) and the Encoding to Binary. Make sure you do not choose JPEG Encoding. All other options should NOT be checked.

2. Do not save images as PSD, TIFF, JPEG, GIF, Photoshop DCS or other file formats.

3. Quark does not handle large TIFF files properly.

4. Resolution of at least 150ppi at the final printed size (unless file exceeds 1.5GB). The maximum resolution needed is 200 ppi.

5.  Include both printer and screen fonts or outline fonts before sending files.

6. If you are creating the document in either Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign and you are certain there will be no additional changes, please turn all fonts to outline. Please include the font anyway. If we must make a change, we can substitute.

7. Leave Adobe Illustrator files layered. Do not flatten. Please delete all hidden objects and unused objects/layers.

8. Send any guidelines or print samples for approximate color matching. Desired colors are specified in Pantone, Pantone specifications allow us to match colors closest. Exact color matches are not always possible.

Tips for Preparation:

1. In most cases you should use 4-Color Black instead of straight black, we recommend the following values: 65%C, 53%M, 51%Y, 100%K

2. When possible, logos and text should be created and kept in vector formats. (Adobe Illustrator AI or EPS)

3. Scanned images should be saved as Adobe Photoshop EPS files in CMYK (150ppi at the final output size)