Print resources
Use these practical print-file guidelines to reduce delays, trimming surprises, fuzzy images, and color problems. If your project needs something unusual, send the file and we can help review the next step.
Bleed: Add .125 inches on all sides when artwork or background color runs to the edge of the finished piece.
Safe margin: Keep important text, logos, and key design elements at least .125 inches inside all finished edges.
Example: A 6 x 4 postcard with full bleed should be supplied at 6.25 x 4.25 inches.
PDF is preferred. A print-ready PDF helps preserve fonts, spacing, images, and layout. Before sending, review the PDF carefully to confirm that nothing shifted during export.
CMYK is preferred for print. RGB files are created for screens and may shift when converted for printing. If you only have RGB artwork, send it and we can review the best next step.
Use images that are at least 300 DPI at final print size. Low-resolution photos may look acceptable on screen but can print soft, pixelated, or muddy.
Common small postcard formats include 6 x 4 inches and 5.5 x 4.25 inches. Common larger mailing formats include 11 x 6 inches, 9 x 6 inches, and 8.5 x 5.5 inches.
Final mailing requirements can depend on paper thickness, tabs, indicia, addressing, postage class, and mailing method. Ask us to review before production if the piece will be mailed.
If you have large files to send, you can share them through Dropbox, Google Drive, or Hightail (formerly YouSendIt). These services are useful for sending large print files over the internet.
Please include your name, organization, project name, phone number, and any deadline notes in the message or shared folder.
We provide a PDF proof before your job goes to press. Please review spelling, dates, phone numbers, contact information, image placement, trim, folds, and overall layout carefully before approving the proof.
For color-critical projects: Screen color is not a perfect match to printed CMYK output. You are welcome to visit our Jenison office to review color with us before production when matching or dialing in color is especially important.
| Item | Recommended setup |
|---|---|
| Bleed | .125 inches on all sides |
| Safe margin | .125 inches from all finished edges |
| File type | Print-ready PDF preferred |
| Color | CMYK preferred |
| Images | At least 300 DPI at final print size |
| Large files | Dropbox, Google Drive, or YouSendIt/Hightail |
