Useful information
Here are some useful hints, tips and explanations to help you setup your artwork correctly.
Please consider the information and links below when preparing for print.
Choose paper, choose ink, choose the process
- Paper
and card sizes
If supplying a document of multiple pages, ensure it is designed as single pages - don't supply spreads or 'printers pairs'.
- Paper and card types
- Spot colours
- Process colours
And consider the following in your design
- Bleed
Please allow 5mm bleed on your artwork and provide trim marks. Allow a 5mm 'quiet zone' from the trim edge for any important elements.
- Image resolution
Images should be at least 300dpi. Any lower and you risk pixelation or break-up. Try to avoid enlarging images above 150% of their original size. Remember, the higher the resolution the better! A big mistake is to source images from the internet. Not only are you likely to break copyright laws, these images are optimised for screen use only and not intended for print.
- RGB v CMYK
Please ensure documents are created with the CMYK format in mind. This includes any colours created within your document and any images too
- Software file types
Software can change as quickly as the weather so it's best to phone us for the latest information. As a guide we are happy to accept the following: pdf, quark, indesign, illustrator, photoshop.
- Colour expectations
If your artwork is intended for digital print, try to avoid colour gradients. Gradients are difficult to replicate using the digital process and may result in colour 'banding'.
- Fonts
Please include all fonts used in your artwork. Embed or outline them to ensure your work prints as intended.
- Designing for extra processes
- Proof reading
For a small charge, we can arrange to have your documents professionally proof read prior to print. We hate to see (but often do) a job requiring a reprint because the person working on a job has been so close to it the eye reads what it wants to - which isn't necessarily always the right words!
