File Set up & Artwork Guidelines
We have prepared the following guide to assist you with your electronic file preparation and submission. If you have a specific problem that is not covered in this guide, or have other questions, please feel free to contact us.
Please take the time to carefully review your artwork files prior to submitting them to us. Improperly prepared files, typographical errors, and changes can cause delays in manufacturing and additional charges.
To save separate files into one compressed (zipped) folder for uploading; follow these instructions:
- Select the files (hold down the shift key to select multiple files) -> Right Click -> Send To -> Compressed (zipped) Folder. You will upload that zipped folder.
Are you looking for design templates? Try this page.
https://www.bestprintingusa.com/product_help_templates.php
Wire-O and Coil Bound Booklet Layout instructions
- Allow 3/8" (.375) on the edge of the sheet for the holes that will get punched. If you dont allow space for the binding holes your images, photos, or words near the edge within 3/8" will get holes punched in them. You may also want to center your pages subtracting the 3/8" from the edge so your pages are centered from the edge of the binding to the edge of the page. Also, keep in mind that on every other page (back to front two sided printing as you flip pages) the holes are on opposite sides of the page.
Calendar File Instructions
- Select the calendar month layout from the drop-down menu
- You will need to supply us with 15 photo files including the front cover, back cover and "next" January
- Photos will be sized to 8.5” x 11 in LANDSCAPE format
- Please name the jpeg files “Front Cover”, “January”, “February”, ect……
- When you have all the files named, follow these steps to compress them into a zip file
- Select all the files by holding down the shift key -> Right Click->Send To->Compressed (zipped) Folder. Upload that folder while placing your order.
Quick Checklist and Detailed Information
►Type is correct size and spelling has been checked.
►Page layout is in correct order start with the front cover, inside front cover, page 1, page 2, etc. all the way to the outside back cover.
►Margins, 1/8" min bleeds, crop marks and crossovers are set.
►Artwork matches the specified finished dimensions of your order.
►All linked, images, and fonts are embedded in your .PDF file.
►Colorspace in CMYK mode for most accurate color (not RGB) and your file is saved as a PDF file. RGB files will end up getting converted to CMYK when we "rip" the file on our Fiery server.
Bleeds, Crossovers and Crop marks
Color Specifications
Image Resolutions
►All images should look sharp on your screen and and be at least 150 dpi (300 dpi is best) in order to look good when printed.
►Rasterized text or logos should be at least 300 dpi (higher is better) with no aliasing (no pixelated edges).
Digital e-mailed Proofs
We provide PDF files as electronic e-mailed soft proofs. These digital proofs are intended to show you the layout and design elements of your job, but cannot be a guarantee of color accuracy or how the job will look after it is trimmed to final size. If color accuracy and layout is of extreme importance to you, please ask for a hard copy proof.
FAQ's and Other Important Information
How do I get my files to you? Log into your account. Select Upload File and select your file.
What If I need to upload a different file? You can upload additional or new files for your job up until you have been sent a proof for your approval. Please alert your CSR that you have submitted a new file. To change job files, In the header next to My Account, click upload files, sign into your account and you are taken to a list of jobs. Locate the job number your file is associated with and click on it and you will be taken to the upload files page and the file you previously uploaded will be visible. Follow steps one and two above to upload a new file.
Can I send you a PDF file? Yes, PDF files are our preferred file type. Be sure the PDF contains bleeds if necessary, and crop marks. Be sure that it has been saved as high resolution for print as a PDF file. Booklet files should have single pages all in the same document. Do not paginate the booklet into “reader” spreads or “printer” spreads. Make sure the outside front cover is the first page in your document and the outside of the back cover is the last page. Put all pages in order as you want them printed.
How do I send my files without having missing fonts and other components? If you are sending files created in the following applications, you should go through the corresponding steps:
Proofing:
Be aware when proofing that the colors on your screen may slightly vary from the actual print colors. We guarantee pleasing color and quality printing, however there is no way for us to know the exact colors you see on your computer monitor. If you are looking for a precise color match we recommend you request a hard copy proof. This is an additional charge, but this allows you to see the exact color and how the job will print. This will slow down the proofing process, setting back the start of your turnaround time. Call 203-847-8454 to request your hard copy proof if you are concerned.
What should I know about viewing files on my monitor? You might notice that the colors on the printed piece may not exactly match the colors you see on your monitor. The age, settings and or calibration of your monitor can affect the colors in comparison to the printed product.
Why are “L’s” and “I’s” appearing bold and thick on my proof? This is only the low-resolution proof and is a result of converting fonts to outlines. If you zoom in on your proof, they will appear as usual. The letters will print normally.
Saving your files as a PDF.
Guidelines by Application
Adobe Illustrator
1. From the menu bar, select “File” > “Save as,” then select “Adobe PDF” for format and enter the filename.
2. In the “General” section of the PDF options screen, set “Adobe PDF Preset” to "Press Quality". Under marks and bleeds section select. "Trim marks" and select "Use Document bleed settings". which should be .125" if you designed your file properly.
3. In the “Marks and Bleeds” section, select the “Use Document Bleed Settings” checkbox (to set all bleed amounts to .125”
4. Save your PDF and verify it looks correct.
Adobe InDesign
1. From the menu bar, select “File” > “Export” then select “Adobe PDF” for format and enter your filename.
2. In the “General” section of the PDF options screen: set “Adobe PDF Preset” to "Press Quality".
3. In the Marks and Bleeds section: select "Crop marks" and "Bleed marks" and use "Document bleed settings". Crop marks offset is .0833" and bleed is .125"
4. Export your PDF and verify it looks correct.
Adobe Photoshop
1. Make sure the resolution in “Image Size” (from the menu bar, select “Image” > “Image Size”) is set to at least 150 pixels/inch, and the width and height are correct for the print size.
2. From the menu bar, select “File” > “Save as,” then select “Adobe PDF” for format and enter the filename.
3. In the “General” section of the PDF options screen, set “Adobe PDF Preset” (at the top) to one of the “PDF/X” presets, ideally “PDF/X-1a:2001” if it is available.
4. Save your PDF and verify it looks correct.
QuarkXpress
1. From the menu bar, select “File” > “Export” > “Layout as PDF,” then select click on options to get to the next step.
2. In PDF Export Options window, set “PDF Style” (at the top) to one of the “PDF/X” presets, ideally “PDF/X-1a:2001” if it is available.
3. In the “Bleed” pane, make sure Symmetric is selected for “Bleed Type,” and 0.125” is set for “Amount.” The “Clip at Bleed Edge” box should also be checked.
4. Return the the previous window for Exporting the PDF by selecting “OK,” and save your PDF and verify it looks correct.
Microsoft Publisher
1. From the menu bar, select “File” > “Export,” then select “Create PDF/XPS Document” and click the “Create PDF/XPS” button.
2. In the next window, select “Options” and set the quality to “Commercial Press.”
3. Select “Publish” to save your PDF and verify it looks correct.
Microsoft Word
1. From the menu bar, select “File” > “Export,” then select “Create PDF/XPS Document” and click the “Create PDF/XPS” button.
2. In the next window, make sure the “Optimize for” setting is on “Standard.”
3. Select “Publish” to save your PDF and verify it looks correct.
Microsoft Powerpoint
1. From the menu bar, select “File” > “Export,” then select “Create PDF/XPS Document” and click the “Create PDF/XPS” button.
2. In the next window, make sure the “Optimize for” setting is on “Standard.”
3. Select “Publish” to save your PDF and verify it looks correct.
CANVA
From the file menu at the top left side of the page, select download in the dropdown menu.
Once the download menu opens select, PDF Print "best for printing"
Check the box that says : Crop Marks and Bleeds
Select color profile, CMYK "best for professional printing"
Then click the purple download bar.