If you are supplying us with artwork, here are some really helpful pointers to help create print/production-ready files. It often saves us time when artwork is supplied correctly and ‘ready to print’.
These guidelines will helpfully set you on your way.
File Format
Save your file as a high-resolution PDF (with bleed if applicable).
– Adobe Acrobat High Resolution PDF
– Illustrator (images embedded and fonts outlined)
– InDesign (package folder)
– Photoshop (preferred format as TIFF)
When sending multiple images to print, best to save as multiple pages PDF (max 20 pages)
Fonts
Outline your fonts to avoid font changes from computer to computer. Font size should be 8pt or more for people to read it on print if necessary.
Artwork Scale
Artworks should be created to a sensible scale as 10%, 25% (Quarter Size) or 50% (Half Size). This will allow us to enlarge the artwork to the desired size.
Colours
For full-colour printing jobs, convert all RGB and Pantone spot colours to CMYK colour mode.
For black and white printing jobs, use greyscale colour mode.
Change the colour profile
Change in Photoshop:
Edit > Colour Settings > Working Spaces > Set as below
RGB: Adobe RGB (1998) CMYK: Europe ISO FOGRA39/Europe ISO FOGRA27
Colour Management Policies > Convert to Working Spaces
Change in Illustrator:
Edit > Colour Settings > Working Spaces > Set as below
RGB: Adobe RGB (1998) CMYK: Europe ISO FOGRA39/Europe ISO FOGRA27
Colour Management Policies > Convert to Working Spaces
Check the colour profiles
Check the colour profiles in Adobe Acrobat: Print > Output Preview > Simulation Profile
Image Resolution – Fine Art Printing
300dpi for better result.
Images should be approximately 300dpi, when printed at full size on images below 1000mm in size.
Avoid taking low-res pictures from the web because they are usually 75dpi or lower.
Bleed
3mm: artwork measuring 50cm < on the longest edge
5mm: artwork measuring 50cm > 100cm on the longest edge
10mm: artwork measuring 100cm > 150cm on the longest edge
If you have a white border on your print, you don’t need a bleed.
Set up cut path for print
1. Create a new layer above the artwork and name it “CutContour”.
2. On this layer, draw the outline of the desired cut path.
3. Assign the path colour as a Spot Colour named “CutContour” with the following values:
R: 236 G: 0 B: 140
Cut and Bleed
Cutting Process
Should you have any questions regarding the preparation of artworks, please feel free to get in touch.