How to supply your Artwork

We will always check your artwork thoroughly before printing from your artwork to ensure that you will be happy with the final product – whether that be a business card or a large format poster or banner. Should you wish to supply your own artwork to us, here is a selection of the most frequent questions we are asked, along with the answers. If you have any further questions regarding your digital files, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Q: What types of files should we provide to you?
A: We print from high resolution print ready PDFs. (Portable Document Format).

Q: How do I create a print quality PDF file?
A: Adobe Acrobat software is sometimes required to create a PDF file, although some applications will allow you to save your file direct to PDF. When saving your document as a PDF, always remember to flatten your PDF, embed your fonts and choose the highest available quality setting which in some instances may be referred to as ‘print’ or ‘press’ quality. Please save your complete document as one PDF, rather than each page as a separate PDFs. To save your document as a PDF from Word simply click on the ‘Save As’ and select ‘PDF’ from the ‘Save As’ option. Please ensure PDF is selected in the ‘Save as type’ field.

Q: Do you accept any other file type, such as Microsoft documents?
A: We cannot use the following formats for printing: Word, Exel, Powerpoint, Publisher, Works
You can use www.convert.neevia.com to convert any of the above files into a useable PDF, it is easy-to-use Free online pdf generator. Please note that it is important when supplying a PDF from a Microsoft document, care is taken to ensure any spot colours are created correctly in your original document.

Q: Can we supply files in CMYK and RGB?
A: All files supplied must be based in the CMYK colour mode. RGB is not acceptable for litho printing, as this format was created to represent colours on screen only. Printed inks are different altogether. It is important that you work in CMYK from the outset when creating artwork and defining colours. If you create your artwork and then convert to CMYK at a later stage, then your colours (especially black) may be negatively affected.

Q: What resolution quality is required for good print quality?
A: Images need to have a resolution of 300dpi. If artwork is generated at a lower resolution, then the quality of the final printed job will be affected. Artwork must be generated at a resolution of 300dpi from the outset, as it cannot be magically enhanced at a later stage. Please note that it is not possible to use images from the internet for printing, as they have been optimized for computer screens in order to keep the file size down.

Q: Are bleeds required on supplied artwork?
A: Yes. All artwork supplied to us for print must have at least 3mm bleed on all trimmed edges. (see opposite page). If supplied artwork isn’t supplied with ‘bleeds’, then you may incur extra charges to modify your artwork.

Q: How should we supply artwork for jobs which require multiple pages?
A: Artwork for multi-page jobs, such as book work, need to be supplied at the finished size with the appropriate bleeds where necessary. It is advisable to supply one PDF containing all pages in running order, from cover, inside cover, text pages through to the back cover with bleed on all sides. This allows for binding requirements.

Q: Do we get a colour proof before the job goes ahead?
A: Yes, we can certainly provide you with a colour proof before the job is printed, but this will not be 100% accurate. Certain colours have slightly different characteristics and it is impossible to guarantee accuracy in shades of colours. One option you have, is to examine the job while it’s actually on the presses. Please note that if any changes to files are required at this stage, there are likely to be additional charges.

All vehicle graphics and livery will be produced using a scale wireframe and proofed before production. This artwork is is Charged at £25.00 + VAT, however this will be deducted from the overall cost when project is completed by us.

Large Format Print Files

For Large Format work, it may not be practical for you to provide your artwork at the exact size it is to be printed due to the file size. File size is recommended to be supplied at quarter size for us to enlarge. Bear in mind that enlarging an image will lower its resolution. We recommend a resolution of at least 300 dpi for all Large Format files. When this is the case please ensure that you indicate the exact size that you would like it to be printed.

If you have placed an order and you DO NOT have any artwork we will require the following in order to complete your order.

1. All text either supplied in word format .DOC/.DOCX or similar (Please ensure that you spell and grammar check prior to sending to us).
2. All images or pictures in high resolution*, ideally .JPG files or .EPS files. Please be aware that generally any ‘screen-grabs’ or images taken from the internet are not suitable for printing as they are usually optimised for screen use only and the print quality would usually be poor.
   * Please note that you must have the appropriate permissions to use the files supplied if they are subject to copyright.
3. Bundle these assets together and email them to sales@designerprint.org quoting your order reference in the Subject title. When we receive your order, text and images we will then contact you to advise you of when you can expect your proof which is generally with 48-72 hours (Monday – Friday).