File preparation specifications.

General Print File Requirements

These requirements apply to most print jobs. Specific products may have additional requirements listed in their sections below.

Bleed

0.125" (3mm) on all sides for any artwork that extends to the edge

Color mode

CMYK (do not submit RGB files — colors will shift)

Resolution

300 DPI for standard print; 150 DPI minimum for large-format

Fonts

Convert all fonts to outlines, OR include all font files with submission

File formats

PDF (preferred — print-ready, X-1a or X-4 standard), AI, INDD packaged, PSD flattened

Spot colors

Specify Pantone (PMS) colors explicitly for brand color matching

Crop marks

Include trim marks and bleed marks on submitted PDFs

Linked images

Embed all images, or include linked image files when packaging the design file

Business Cards

Standard size

3.5" x 2" (US standard)

Trim with bleed

3.75" x 2.25" (with 0.125" bleed)

Safe zone

Keep critical text 0.125" inside the trim line

Stock weight

14pt (standard), 16pt (premium), 32pt (ultra-thick double-layer)

Finishes

Matte, gloss, soft-touch, spot UV, foil stamp, embossing, edge painting

Postcards & Direct Mail

USPS postcard size standards must be followed for the postal class you intend to use.

USPS first-class

3.5" x 5" min, 4.25" x 6" max for postcard rate

EDDM size

Minimum 6.125" x 11", typical 6.5" x 9" or 8.5" x 11"

Bleed

0.125" all sides

Indicia area

Top-right corner reserved for postal indicia and address (printed by mailer)

Stock weight

14pt cover stock minimum for direct mail durability

Recommended file

PDF/X-1a with crop marks and bleed

Brochures & Flyers

Common sizes

8.5" x 11", 8.5" x 14", 11" x 17", 11" x 25.5" (tri-fold panels)

Folding

Bi-fold, tri-fold (letterfold), z-fold, gate-fold, accordion — specify panel widths

Bleed

0.125" all sides

Stock weight

100lb gloss text (flyers), 100lb gloss cover (folded brochures), uncoated alternatives available

Page setup

Provide as multi-page PDF, single page per spread

Booklets & Catalogs

Page count

Saddle-stitch: pages must be a multiple of 4. Perfect bind: minimum 32 pages

Bindings

Saddle-stitch (stapled), perfect bind (flat spine), spiral / wire-O, case bound (hardcover)

Common sizes

5.5" x 8.5", 8.5" x 11", 9" x 12" (catalog)

Page submission

Submit as multi-page PDF in reading order (we impose for press)

Stock weight

Cover: 80lb cover or heavier. Interior pages: 70lb–100lb text

Large Format & Banners

Resolution

150 DPI at final print size (large format scales differently than offset)

Color mode

CMYK; spot colors not typically used in large format printing

Bleed

0.5" bleed for banners and pole-mounted signs; 1" bleed for large hemmed banners

File scale

Build at 100% scale OR scaled-down with explicit scale factor noted (e.g. "build at 50%, output 200%")

Common sizes

24" x 36", 36" x 48", 4ft x 8ft, custom up to roll-width 60"

Apparel Decoration Artwork

Apparel artwork has different requirements than print. Vector files are required for screen printing and embroidery.

Screen print

Vector AI or EPS required. Spot colors only (max 6 colors per side typically). 100% black for solid blacks.

Embroidery

Vector logo (AI/EPS) for digitizing. Avoid fine details under 0.25" — they won’t embroider cleanly.

DTG (direct-to-garment)

High-resolution PNG with transparent background, 300 DPI at print size, RGB color mode

Color count

Quote includes specified spot colors; additional colors add screen-print setup charges

Print size

Specify print location and dimensions (e.g. "left chest, 4" wide")

Vehicle Wraps

Vehicle template

We provide vehicle-specific dieline templates with handles, panel cuts, and door seams marked

Resolution

100 DPI at full vehicle scale (vehicles are large)

Color mode

CMYK with spot colors specified for branding

File format

PDF or AI at full scale; layered file for editability

Bleed

2" bleed beyond all dieline edges