Preparing Files

File Size
All files need to be built to the final trim size plus bleed. So your file should be ¼” larger than the product size that you are purchasing. (i.e.: 2x3.5 business card = 2.25x3.75 graphic file). When generating the file into the proper format, don’t use any crop or printer’s marks for this will increase the dimensions of the design file.

Fonts/Text
If working out of vector based software such as Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, or Freehand, all text must be converted to outlines before generating the final PDF file. If working out of Adobe PhotoShop, simply flatten the image. Please also make sure that you are not using a font size smaller than 7pt.

Resolution
We recommend that all images used are at least 300dpi for printing purposes. Submitting files with a higher resolution than 300dpi is not necessary.

Color
We require that all submitted files be saved in CMYK to ensure color accuracy as all RGB submitted files are converted to CMYK.

Compression
We suggest compressing your file(s) using WinZip for the PC

Safety Zone
Don’t place any critical images or text beyond the safety zone, which is at least 1/8” from the final trim size, to avoid it getting cut off when the finished piece is trimmed.

Accepted File Types
.PSD - Adobe Photoshop
.EPS - Adobe Illustrator
.PUB - Microsoft Publisher
.PPT - Microsoft PowerPoint
.DOC - Microsoft Word
.PDF - Adobe Acrobat
.TIF - Tagged Image
.JPEG - Joint Photographic Experts Group File Format
.BMP - Bitmap File Format

 

CREATING PDF FOR PRINT

Solutions to Common Errors

Listed below are the most common errors we find in digital files submitted to us for printing. Please keep in mind that if your job has any of these errors it will be placed on hold until the problem is corrected. clickimprimerie.com makes every attempt to contact you and will keep a log of these attempts, but your best insurance against a delayed job with us or any online printing company, is understanding the following problems and solutions.

Incorrect Color Mode

RGB color mode (red, green, blue) must be converted to CMYK color mode (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) prior to printing.

Wrong Size

Digital files must be built at the correct bleed size. Whenever possible, please download and use our Free Layout Templates to ensure correct page size and to prevent additional charges during file preparation and printing.

Critical Artwork or Text Close to Trim

• Text or images that are not meant to be trimmed off the edge of your final printed piece must be 1/4" (.25) from the edge of your layout (also known as Safety).
• Images that are meant to go to the very edge of your design must extend into the bleed area 1/8" (0.125).
• Due to the very small shifting that occurs during cutting, it is NOT recommended that you use a border of less than 1/4" (.25). clickimprimerie.com can not guarantee that small borders will be the same size on all sides after trimming if you have used a border of less than 1/4" (.25).

Does Not Meet canada. Postal Regulations

The Post Office requires that all mailed postcards must meet certain criteria. Any divergence from their guidelines can result in a delay in processing or increase the mailing rate. . These guidelines are not set by clickimprimerie.com or any printing company, they are standard guidelines set by the postal service for all mailed products.

Low Resolution Images

• Raster graphics such as TIF and JPEG files must have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi (dots per inch). Images with a resolution less than 300 dpi will reproduce poorly on press (the image will look fuzzy and/or pixelated).
• If your images are from a website on the internet, there is a good chance that the resolution will not be high enough for printing (unless the images came from a stock photography house and are designated high resolution). The internet displays images at 72 dpi, so that the images appear quickly over an internet connection, but under no circumstances should images at this dpi be used for printing.
• If you submit low-resolution files for printing, you will be asked to sign an online waiver acknowledging that you are aware of the resulting loss of quality and that you will accept the final image as is.

Missing Fonts

• If you used a page layout program (Publisher, QuarkXpress, Pagemaker, InDesign, etc.) you must provide all fonts and typefaces used in your layout. If you do not supply fonts, you will be asked to upload your fonts and your job will be placed on hold until we receive them.
• If your files come from a Mac, please be sure you stuff the fonts with the rest of the project files.

Missing Images

If you used a page layout program (Publisher, QuarkXpress, Pagemaker, InDesign, etc.) you must supply all high-resolution images used in your layout. If you do not supply your images, your printing job will be placed on hold and you will be contacted and asked to upload the missing images.

Wrong File Type

• Our online printing services and production process is such that we can only accept specific file types from specific professional graphic design applications. If your application is not listed, please consider using our free Online Designer web based design application.
• If you are using a Mac, please make sure your file extensions are included.

Corrupt File

As files travel across the internet, they are often stripped of vital code that identifies them and their original file types. Without compressing (win zip / stuff it) them, your files may reach their destination as incomplete or "corrupted" digital files.