1. What type of files do you accept for printing?
For the best possible results download one of our set-up guides here
ACCEPTED FILE TYPE
-PDF (Acrobat 5 (PDF 1.4)
-JPG, JPEG, TIF, TIFF at 300dpi.
*One single file per side (no pdf bundle except for bookleets and calendars).
BLEED
-At least 1/8" bleed around the artwork to ensure accurate cutting.
CMYK COLOR
-All files converted to CMYK color mode. No RGB or Pantone files.
FLATTEN TEXT
-Make sure the layers are flattened if the file is created in Photoshop
OUTLINE TEXT
- Convert the fonts to outlines and embed all the images. Click here to find out how to create outlines.
FINISHING OPTIONS
-One mask file for each option
-Clearly indicate the option and the side on which you want it to be applied in the file name.
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2. What color mode should I create my files in?
Please send us a file created in CMYK. If you send us an RGB file, the color may turn out different than you had sent. We won't take responsibility if that's the case. You should always start and finish your designs in CMYK color mode.
RGB Colors:
Same colors in CMYK:
As you can see, the exact same colors look different in RGB and CMYK.
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3. What should be my file resolution?
The files should be atleast 300dpi. If your file is less than 300dpi, it will print blurry.
Create the file at 300dpi and not just change a 72dpi to 300dpi. Changing an existing low resolution file to 300dpi won't change the quality of the file.
72dpi file:
300 dpi file:
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4. How should I set up the file with bleeds and safe area?
We have product templates on the product configuration page. Please follow the template when you are creating your file.
For most of the products, we need 0.125" bleed and 0.125" safe area. Make sure to keep all the text and images that you don't want to be cut, inside the safe area. Extend the background to the bleed area.
Template Example:
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5. I have a thin border in my design. Will it be uniform on all sides?
Unfortunately, no.
When the cards are cut, a lot of sheets are cut together and so slight shifting might occur. Because of that, if the border is too thin, it may be cut uneven.
If you have to have a border, it is advisable to have a much thicker border, so that even if it's cut a little off, it still won't be so noticable. But they still won't be even.
We generally do not accept jobs with borders, but if you would still like to proceed with borders, we won't take responsibility for unevenness of the borders.
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6. Can I submit multiple files in one document?
No. Each side/page should be in a separate file.
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7. Pure Black vs Rich Black?
Pure Black is 100% K, which means it's 100% black and all other colors are at 0%
Rich black is mixture of 100% K, plus other color values. This results in a darker tone than black ink alone.
We recommend C= 60, M= 40, Y= 40, K= 100 for a rich black color.
For black text, always use pure black, or the text might become illegible due to ink overlapping.
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8. Red vs Orange
Red and Orange are close together in the CMYK spectrum. So they're problematic on press.
In order to ensure the two colours come up the correct tones, leave at least 25% differences in your Magenta and Yellow Values.
For example:
C0/M100/Y75/K0
For print to look Red, Magenta > Yellow by 25%
For print to look Orange, Magenta < Yellow by 25%
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9. What is Banding?
There are many things that can cause banding. Banding can be caused by the program the file is exported from, such as Indesign or Corel. If there are too many gradient steps in a small area, e.g. from very light color to a dark color, it will cause banding.
Close up of banding
To prevent this, check your digital files before sending. If you use a gradient, make sure it has enough room for a smooth transition.
Print Den Inc. is not responsible for issues regarding this subject.
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10. Grey Color Issues in a CMYK document
It is important to set the right CMYK values when using grey.
Do not use grey color composed of cyan, magenta or yellow values - this can cause the grey colour to shift from a cool or warm grey.
To eliminate all values other then K, use your Channel Mixer (adjustment layer) in Photoshop, then click "Monochrome" and adjust accordingly.
Recommended
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Example:
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Not Recommended
- We do not recommend using grey colours with C, M or Y values
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Example:
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11. File Orientation
In order to ensure files are submitted properly for proper orientation, we require files to be submitted HEAD TO HEAD.
Below are examples on how to submit file:
.jpg)
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12. How do I export a .pdf correctly?
When exporting from any program such as Indesign or Illustrator, use these settings to make sure your .PDF files export correctly.
EXPORT SETTINGS FOR .PDF FILES
Adobe PDF Preset is set to: Press Quality
Compatibility is set to: Acrobat 4 (PDF 1.3)
Compress Text and Line Art is set to: Off
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13. How do I make sure Blue prints blue and not purple?
Blue is close to purple in the CMYK spectrum.
In order to ensure that blue doesn't turn out purple, make sure magenta color is atleast 30% less than blue color in CMYK.
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14. How should I set up a Plastic Card job?
When designing plastic cards, it is important to keep in mind that the frosted and clear plastic cards are transparent. Also, all plastic cards come with rounded corners.
As you can see, the difference in the transparency is shown in the image above.
- The clear cards (right) are completely transparent.
- The frosted cards (center) are semi-transparent and cannot be seen through easily.
- The opaque white plastic cards (left) are solid white and not transparent at all.
Keep this in mind when designing your plastic cards, it will affect how your design will print.
- Printing on Clear and Frosted Plastic Cards will come out slightly lighter than average compared to other stocks. This is due to the plastic itself and is not a production issue.
- When setting up a rich black value, please make sure to use C 60 M 40 Y 40 K 100 values. Do not use all 100 since it will cause problems and will not print any darker on plastic.
Since there is no white ink in CMYK, it is important to keep in mind that the frosted and clear plastic cards are transparent. The three designs above are the same as in the first picture. You will notice that the white area in the clear cards (right) and the frosted cards (center) has no ink and will show the transparent material it's printed on. In this case, the clear cards and frosted cards white area show up with no ink on the printed piece. Also, keep in mind that all colors that are printed on clear cards or frosted cards will be transparent as well.
With the clear plastic cards, there might be a small percentage that may have light scratches. This issue originates from the manufacturer and is due to the material and handling. To help compensate for this, we run overs of the clear plastic cards to help meet the required quantity.
Clear plastic cards will come with a thin protective layer on one side that can be peeled off. This is to prevent the cards from scratching during packaging and shipping.
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15. How do I set-up artwork for Brown Kraft cards with white ink?
Brown Kraft has the option to add white ink as an overprint. The white will be a base for the CMYK providing a bright white surface which will allow for vibrant, crisp color. Areas without white ink will appear darker due to the color of the stock.
Similar to Spot UV masks, White Mask files are separate from your artwork files. Black in the White Mask file indicates where white ink will be printed.
Make sure to create your mask file the same size as your artwork file. This will prevent alignment issues during printing.
Note: White Masks must be made in vector format and be saved as EPS or PDF. You may use gradients in the white ink mask file. Please be aware that anything less than 100%K will be transparent and allow the brown stock to show through.
Use vector paths/shapes to create black color areas that will indicate where the white ink base will go. The rest of the areas will show the Brown Kraft stock.
Remember the following when creating a white mask for your white ink base:
- White ink base will be printed behind any color that’s in your Artwork Layer.
- Areas with color but without a White Mask will be printed with color directly on the material.
- Areas with color and a White Mask will be printed as opaque or solid color.
- Areas with a White Mask and no color will be printed as white.
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16. What is Spot UV?
Spot UV produces a glossy effect, giving the card a textured look. Spot UV is a screen printed process where the varnish is applied only to selected areas. The spot gloss varnish is often applied over pictures or graphics to enhance them.
It's also especially effective when the background is a solid colour and the Spot UV layer creates a shape, pattern or text. A spot UV layer over some text is also possible but less apparent and may require moving the card in the light to see the effect. We do not recommend applying spot UV in registration with small text or fine lines.
Important - Please read
Spot UV involves a separate stage in the production process, after printing and laminating. Although we make all efforts to perfectly align the spot UV to the print, a shift of up to 1/64" may occur. On PVC/plastics, there maybe a shifting of upto 1/32".
Please keep that in mind when creating the artwork. It is not recommended to apply spot UV on small text or fine lines
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17. How do I set up files for Spot UV?
When creating a job with Spot UV, you must include a Spot UV mask file along with the regular CMYK print file.
The mask template file is used to show where glossy UV coating will be applied. Use 100% K to indicate where you would like the spot UV.
For better quality we recommend creating mask files in vector based programs such as Illustrator or CorelDRAW.
Please only use solid 100% K to indicate where you would like the UV. Do not use shadows, glows or grayscale images. White will indicate no UV.
Remember, if it's white, you can write!
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18. How do I set up files for Foil Stamping?
When creating a job with hot foil stamping, you must include a foil mask file along with the regular CMYK print file.
The mask template file is used to show where foil stamping will be applied. Use 100% K to indicate where you would like the foil. Make sure to remove everything that will be foiled from the print file and have those items only on the mask file.
For better quality we recommend creating mask files in vector based programs such as Illustrator or CorelDRAW.
Foil surface calculation
The foil stamping cost includes a maximum surface of 3 square inch (For example, 3 sq. in. can be 2"X1.5" or 3"X1"). Oversize foil requires a larger die.
Therefore, foil area larger than 3 sq. inch will be charged as 2 foil.
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19. How do I set up files for Embossing or Debossing?
When creating a job with embossing or debossing, you must include a emboss / deboss mask file along with the regular CMYK print file.
The mask template file is used to show where embossing / debossing will be applied. Use 100% K to indicate where you would like the emboss / deboss. Make sure to remove everything that will be foiled from the print file and have those items only on the mask file.
For better quality we recommend creating mask files in vector based programs such as Illustrator or CorelDRAW.
Emboss / Deboss surface calculation
The emboss or deboss cost includes a maximum surface of 3 square inch (For example, 3 sq. in. can be 2"X1.5" or 3"X1"). Oversize emboss or deboss requires a larger die.
Therefore, emboss/ deboss area larger than 3 sq. inch will be charged extra. Please contact us for a price.
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