Supplying Artwork

File Formats

We can print directly from most PC and Mac file formats although print ready pdf’s are preferred Acrobat PDFs, Illustrator, In Design, JPEGs, QuarkXpress, PageMaker, Photoshop.

We can also accept Microsoft Packages including Word, PowerPoint and Publisher but a small charge maybe incurred to convert to a print ready format. Received files are checked, we will let you know if we find any problems. If we can correct these quickly we will do so and provide a proof for your approval.

Bleed & Margin Settings

Bleed is the area of artwork that is extended beyond the actual dimensions of the document. Any objects in your artwork that touch the edges of the document require bleed, for instance a background colour or image should spread to cover the entire bleed area as should any objects that creep in from the side of the page. Bleed of 3mm accounts for each of the four sides of the page, therefore you should add 6mm to the width and height of the document, for example: A4 Paper = 210mm x 297mm + bleed = 216mm x 303mm.

In addition to bleed, you should also add a margin to the edges of the document to avoid having your objects look as if they are about to fall off the page or actually get cropped off when the document is trimmed! The amount of margin is personal preference, but 3mm, 5mm or 10mm is usually used depending on the size of the overall design.

Hi Resolution Photographs & Diagrams

Before sending us your artwork, please check that all photographs are hi-resolution (300 dpi) Anything less may print with a pixelated “jaggy” look. Please check the resolution of your images carefully.

Colour Setting

When saving out artwork please ensure that all embedded images and the text is converted to CMYK not supplied RGB. Please be aware that files converted from RGB to CMYK may alter the colour composition of the file.

Please also bear in mind that the colour you see on your computer monitor and any lazer or digital copy print will not give you a true colour representation of the final printed product as monitors and copiers are colour calibrated in different ways.

EPS or Jpeg files

Other formats not listed above must be saved either as hi resolution eps or jpeg files. All images should be embedded and text convert to outlines. Please remember to ensure that the file is supplied in CMYK.

Imposition.

Please ensure that you do not supply your files laid up as print ready pages. We have our own imposition software which will impose your files correctly for our printing process.

Help & Advice.

Please contact us if you need further advice or assistance with your design, we are happy to help.