Art Requirements

Accepted Software Formats

We recommend creating your artwork in a design program such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, or QuarkXPress. If you are using a newer version please save as down to our acceptable version for best compatibility. If you are using a graphic design program not listed above, you may export as a .EPS, a .TIF, or a .PDF for submittal and our art department can verify quality and compatibility. If supplying us with Quark or InDesign files please be sure to include all fonts and image folders for proper linking.

(.JPG, .GIF, .PNG files are NOT recommended due to color, compression and resolution issues.)

General Art Requirements:

• Templates: We recommend using one of our Artwork Templates. Our Templates are already set-up for easy use in our recommended design programs and include the printable dimensions. Artwork and template needs be placed on separate layers. Do not flatten templates or dye lines within your files. Any flattened artwork submitted is subject to additional fees. We highly recommend sending us your complete layered artwork just in case you need a quick text change we can fix it for you instead of having to resubmit your artwork.
• File Types & Resolution: Vector files are recommended for some print processes. For raster artwork we recommend high-resolution of 300 dpi best print quality . If you must use a raster based program to create your layout like Photoshop, we recommend all text be left editable and not rasterized to avoid pixelation.
• Bleeds & Safety Areas: A 1/8” bleed past ALL edges is required on artwork to allow for printer shift or variation in template sizes across different print processes. This includes the center hole of disc artwork; please do not delete artwork in that area as bleed is needed there also. We recommend creating a safety area for your text design elements by keeping them 1/8” from all edges. Please don't feel you need to delete extra artwork past the bleed or printable edges, it's always better to have too much than not enough.
• Images & Fonts: All art files need to be accompanied with any placed or linked images and "True Type" font files. Text under 7 pt. in size cannot be guaranteed legible. For no white flood coat minimum point size is 10pt. For white flood knockouts minimum point size is 12 pt. If fonts are unavailable, convert text to outlines.
• Color space: Define all color modes as CMYK or PMS. No RGB files. Offset, Photo Pro, or Thermal printing are CMYK process printing and cannot guarantee Pantone colors. All Pantone colors must be specified in artwork and can only be guaranteed with Silkscreen printing. Use Pantone coated color guides for closest color.
• Process Color Printing: Large areas of solid may have banding or “ghosting” during printing and are not recommended for any print processes, except Silkscreen. Any gradient settings higher than 85% and no lower than 15% may not print clearly.
  • Blacks: 100% black is not as deep as some prefer in their artwork. For a thick crisp black we recommend using this rich black CMYK mix for any black areas that will be process color printed: Rich Black: C = 90%, M = 60%, Y = 50%, K = 100%
  • Depending on your chosen printing process some variations in color will apply, here are some specific details: Silkscreen images that are not 100% will not be solid and will appear as dots in a halftone image. Offset/Silkscreen Printing: Any gradients cannot be guaranteed, as colors higher than 85% and lower than 15% may not show at press. Photo Pro Printing: Large areas of solid color are not recommended due to possibility of “ghosting” or “banding” in the print as it is a CMYK process creating excellent looking photographic quality images.
• Disc Printing WITH or WITHOUT a white flood coat: The white flood-coat is a layer of ink on a silver disc that acts as a base-coat or primer for the colors printed on it, recreating the effect of printing on white paper. No white flood coat will show silver of disc. Offset, Silkscreen, and PhotoPro disc printing processes use white flood coats.
  • White Flood Coat Knockouts: When having a selected white flood coat since they are custom some restrictions may apply. Please use these tips to help us guarantee your graphic placement of silver and white. For selective white flood coat knockouts text must be minimum 10 pt. and bold or thick lined font face and lines must be a minimum 1 pt. in width to show the silver of the disc.
• Stacking Ring: The print quality may be affected if the customer chooses to print over the stacking ring as noted in specific templates and proofing. See templates for details.
• Color Matching: As colors vary in different printing processes as well as on different materials, if your artwork needs to be matched please supply us with a printed color match sample &/or Pantone colors. If color matching is requested additional fees and proofs may be required.

Ready to submit your artwork?

Use our File Upload, submit files on a disc, or contact your account representative.