How to Prepare Files for Printing

What we check:

  • File type (TIFF, PDF)

  • Color mode (CMYK)

  • Whether design fits our templates (spines in correct place, whether file has bleeds)

  • Total ink amount (300%)

  • Resolution of print file (if file is at 300dpi)

  • Whether gradients are rasterized

  • Whether hotstamping/embossing/UV is suitable for printing

What we don’t check:

Correctness of content  (e.g. typos, correct language usage), page orientation on templates, correct page order, flattening of transparency, hidden layers, size of letters / fonts / graphic elements (in terms of ink flooding), whether the cover is too dark, whether there is overprint, whether the bitmap resolution embedded in the file is 300dpi

We can check all of this for an additional charge

What we can fix:

If the provided file is suitable, and for an extra fee, we can:

  • Add bleeds

  • Revise artwork to fit template

  • Reduce total ink amount

  • Set the page order

  • Convert to CMYK color mode

  • Convert Pantones to CMYK, if Pantone wasn’t ordered

How to prepare your file for printing:

  • Use PDF 1.3 or TIFF format — we won’t accept JPG, PNG or GIF files

  • Total ink amount (CMYK) up to 300% on coated paper, 260% on reverse board

  • Minimal ink amount is 6% – lower values won’t be visible in print

  • Check the contrast in ink between the dark elements – the fact that you can see a difference on screen does not mean that it will be visible in print

  • Remember that the image on screen will always appear brighter than in print (screens shine, paper doesn’t)

  • Typeface bigger than 6p (below that size we can’t guarantee that printed letters will look sharp, especially when font is Thin or Light)

  • Use CMYK color mode, if you are using Pantone colors, please tell us which numbers you used

  • Don’t embed ICC profiles

  • Make sure your artwork fits the template (use the templates available here, if you want to use something different please contact us)

  • Add 3mm bleeds around artwork

  • Flatten transparency

  • Rasterize gradients

  • Hotstamping/embossing/spot UV should be in vectors on a separate page of the PDF file, marked as additional color or 100% K

  • Line in hotstamping should be .3 mm thick minimum

  • Delete template layer, leave artwork and cropmarks only

  • Bitmaps should be in 300dpi

  • Note that finishing changes the colors a bit

  • Remember that matte foil lowers the contrast, glossy foil makes colors look darker

Before sending your files to us, please make sure that:

  • You used the correct template

  • Pages have the correct orientation

  • Pages are not upside down

  • Booklet has the correct page order (or the files that you provide are properly numbered)

  • You read the cover text twice read and checked for typos (after confirming the digital proof, any file change will involve an additional fee – $100 – to cover the costs of the new exposure)

  • Letters and objects (especially dots, thin lines etc.) are big and thick enough to be printed correctly

  • If you want to be 100% sure about colors, please send us a print proof (made on a professional, calibrated proof printer)

Verification of files does not take into account the elements above – we are not responsible for content related errors – we only check whether the file is suitable for printing

Covers are printed in the offset technique or digital print, our printers apply their own ICC profiles (Fogra37 or Fogra39)