Art Guidelines

ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR is our first preference. We can accept files up to Version 23.0.1. When supplying files in Illustrator, be sure to either supply fonts, or outline them. All links must be included or embedded.

PDF FILES are also a recommended format. PDF files need to be print quality. Low resolution files will not be accepted for print.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP FILES are accepted. They must be high resolution, at least 300dpi. Photoshop is not a layout application, and any type that is set in Photoshop will become rastered.

If you are using InDesign, Quark Xpress, Corel Draw or any Microsoft software, please export these files to PDF format, and call our Pre-press department prior to submission.

Please create your artwork to the exact size of your package.

CMYK mode should be used for all color work. To ensure there is no variance in color on any of the art, be sure it is in CMYK mode. We will not manually convert your RGB images. Our workflow will automatically convert them to CMYK when ripped.

PANTONE COLORS should be checked that there are not multiples of the same color with different names, or that art or an image meant to be Pantone is not a screen mix. It is preferred that multi colored jobs do not exceed 7 colors. This does not include the Aqueous coating. For example, CMYK + 3 Pantones + Aqueous.

IMAGES whether CMYK, duotones, greyscale, etc. should be 300dpi, and placed in your document at 100%. It is preferred that images not be saved as JPEGs because of compression. Any black line copy within a scan should be 100% black and not created using CMYK.

BLEEDS are required whenever art of color runs to the edge. An 1/8” bleed is preferred. MARGINS from the edge should be no less that 1/16”, but a 1/8” margin is preferred.

RICH BLACK is required for large areas of black. If printing a CMYK job with or without Pantones, then the preferred mix is C=60 M=40 Y=40 B=100.

FONTS must be provided, even those used in embedded or EPS files. Please provide both the Screen and Printer elements if Adobe Type 1 fonts are used. If this is not possible, convert your type into paths or outline, and please include an un-converted version of the file or document. For custom or registered fonts, please convert outline type before sending.

GRAPHICS – including scans, imported artwork, placed artwork, linked files, .esp files, raster art, tiffs, etc. must be included with the art file. Eliminate all unnecessary elements in your files. Make sure the correct versions of all images are linked to their correct placement within the file.

UPC CODES must be placed at 100%. All codes must be composed of 10% black, and not created using CMYK.

DROP SHADOWS will reproduce cleaner if they are created as black-only whenever possible.

INKS must be named with the correct Pantone name (Pantone C-Series). If color is to be printed as a ‘spot’ color, please ensure they have not been converted to CMYK.

Please contact your sales representative to have your exclusive FTP site set up. This action will allow for the security and integrity of your artwork, while removing the risk of non-approved entities having access to your proprietary media.

The set up on our end is usually about 1-2 hours from initiation.<