File Preparation

PLEASE! take a few minutes to make sure that your files meet our step-by-step guidelines. Help us to make this experience for you as effortless and seamless as possible. Trust us, you will be amazed at how automated and simple the PrintFarm.com ordering system is once your files have been properly created. You must submit only hi-res JPEG or Tiff files ONLY! All other formats will be rejected. If you are missing anything or incorrectly submit files, this will seriously delay your free online proof and subsequently, receipt of your finished order.

Introduction

• Files not explicitly matching the guidelines outlined in this section may cause your order to be delayed or additional charges incurred by you.
• Due to tight turnaround times and low margin for error, we reserve the right to refuse orders with files that do not meet our basic criteria.
• Customers employing the services of third party designers should be sure these file submission guidelines are understood and followed.
• Please be aware of local post office requirements when designing your card. We ARE NOT the USPS or a mailing house, please make sure your job meets postal regulations.

We are aware that not everyone has those programs at their disposal. Many of you only have Corel Draw, PageMaker, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Freehand, etc. If these are the only tools at your disposal, you can attempt to use them if they allow you to create either a TIFF or JPEG out of the source file. You can increase the likelihood of sending us printable files by doing so.

Unlike software programs like QuarkXpress and InDesign, some other programs were not developed for the creation of files to be used for final output on printing presses. Using the programs we recommend will increase the likelihood of quick turnaround of your print-ready job. The only way to catch problems with files is that you include all photos, fonts and all vital links. 99% of file errors occur when something is missing or not linked.

Documents with Bleed

LAYING OUT YOUR DOCUMENT

The outer edge of the artwork is considered a “safety area” that is utilized for cutting. No important images or text should be placed within this area. Although an 1/8 of inch is the minimum, We strongly recommend you use a 1/4 inch (.25). Here is an example of the correct way to submit your files:

Correctly Submitted Artwork	Correctly Submitted Artwork After Cut

KEEP YOUR TYPE IN!

This is an example of how the same file can be submitted incorrectly. If you notice, the file was designed with all of the type and important graphics right up to the edge of the canvas. This results in the cutting of logos, fonts, and important graphics. This is an example of how NOT to submit your files:

Incorrectly Submitted Artwork	Incorrectly Submitted Artwork After Cut

Color

What are RGB Colors?

RGB Colors are those used by most computer monitors and televisions to display full color. It is NOT, however, used for printing color output.

What are CMYK colors?

Most color presses use the combination of these four colors (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black) to create full color output. Even simpler desktop color printers (such as laser and inkjet printers) rely primarily on the combination of these four inks to create full color output.