ART FILE SUBMISSION GUIDELINES FOR PRINTING - PRINT-READY FILE SET-UP FAQs
When submitting digital art files, there are some guidelines we require to best serve your needs. Please carefully read the following guidlines and file specifications for submitting your art files. If there are any problems with your submitted art, one of our representatives will be in contact with you to help resolve the problem. We strive to do all we can to make your art print-ready. We are a MAC based design group and require MAC friendly files for design and pre-press. Windows users may convert files to .pdf format for best results.
ACCEPTABLE INDUSTRY PROGRAMS:
Adobe Creative Suite (PhotoShop, Illustrator, InDesign*, Quark Express*, Adobe Acrobat (PDF)
*InDesign and Quark Express files must be properly bundled with images and fonts
Vector Files .EPS .AI or .PDF
Note: Fonts need to be converted to outlines. If fonts default in your supplied artwork, we will do our best to match your intended font as closely as possible, however additional fees may result.
Raster Files (photos, etc.) .JPG .TIF .PDF .PNG
Note: Files must be at least 300 dpi at print size for best quality
UNACCEPTABLE FILE FORMATS:
Microsoft Programs (such as Word, Excel or Publisher) are not acceptable as print-ready artwork in most cases. While we do not design or work in these programs, we can accept Word and Excel files for conversion to acceptable design formats. Please note that additional fees may be charged to convert these files into print-ready art. If you have the ability to save or export these file types to a print-ready PDF format, we may be able to achieve your desired results.
SCREEN-PRINTING ART SUBMISSION:
Vector files are preferred. .EPS .PDF or .AI
Art that is not in a vector format may be reproduced for an additional fee
PROOFING:
The proofing process is extremely important in the design and printing process. While we strive to carefully proof all items in-house, the ultimate responsibility for proofing and proof approval is the Client's (yours). Tower Media Group, Inc. is not responsible for anything overlooked in the proofing process (i.e. spelling, punctuation, grammatical errors, etc.). If there are any mistakes we have made in the proofing process, we'll gladly perform those revisions to the proof free of charge BEFORE PRINTING.
FILE SIZE:
The maximum file size acceptable for upload is 20MB (megabytes) per file for email and 200MB for ftp uploading. CLICK HERE to upload files to our ftp site.
RESOLUTION:
All file formats must have a minimum of 300 dpi (dot per inch) resolution. Images designed for use on the internet are done at a low resolution of 72 dpi for screen viewing only. Print images need to be created at 300 dpi or there will be a substantial drop in the image quality.
COLOR MODE:
All color artwork and/or images must be provided in CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color mode. RGB files may be usable on some digital printers and photo printers. All black & white artwork and/or images must be provided in grayscale color mode. Heavy black ink might cause smearing.
BLEEDS:
Q... What's a bleed? A... It is the portion of the card that will be trimmed off when cut to the final size.
Q... Why bleed? A... The purpose of a bleed is to continue a color, image or design to the edge of the piece.
Please build your press-ready digital files by adding .125" dimension for business cards, postcards, and rackcards. Add .125" for all other products.
We require ALL files to be built to the full bleed dimension specified for each trim size.
We automatically trim the bleed off each edge, which will result in the desired trim size
Simply add .250 to the overall dimension of your digital layout. Example: a 5" x 7" would have a bleed size of 5.25" x 7.25" and a 8.5"x11" flyer would have a bleed size of 8.675"x11.25". Comon print terminology is "one eighth inch bleed on all four sides."
CROP MARKS:
Please build your press-ready digital files by adding crop marks. Lines indicating where the paper should be cut to produce the correct size.
FONTS:
a. Fonts must be embedded in PDF files.
b. Fonts must be outlined or converted to paths or curves in EPS files.
c. Some fonts have copyright restrictions and will not embed in PDF Files.
d. Quark Express: Fonts and images must be included with all files submitted. (Mac only)