Guide to Artwork Preparation and Printer Tips
1. What type of files can I send?
2. What color mode should my files be in?
3. What resolution should my file be?
4. How should I set up my bleed and crop marks?
5. Do you accept borders on jobs?
6. How should I set up my file for proper rotation?
7. How can I avoid transparency issues?
8. How should I label my files before uploading them?
9. What is overprint, and how can it ruin my file?
10. Can I submit multiple files in one document?
11. How should I set up a Spot UV template?
12. How can I set up a file for silver ink?
13. How can I make sure my text wont be cut off?
14. What if my job has special instructions?
1. What type of files can I send?
You may send .eps, .tif, .pdf, .jpg, .psd, .ai, and .cdr
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2. What color mode should my files be in?
You should always save your artwork in CMYK mode. If you send us an
RGB file, there is a chance that a color shift may occur and you may not be
satisfied with your job.
BEFORE : (RGB) Your file before the color shift.
AFTER : (CMYK) Your file after the color shift.
Spot colors will also cause color shifts. Please do not use
pantone colors unless it's for a silver order. Not only may they
change, but often times the color will drop out completely.
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3. What resolution should my file be?
We accept 300 DPI files, and no less. Low resolution orders will be
placed on hold until we receive new files, slowing your turnaround.
UNACCEPTABLE : (72 DPI) Low Resolution
ACCEPTABLE : (300 DPI) High Resolution
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4. How should I set up my bleed and crop
marks?
If you are sending an EPS or PDF, make sure you include an 1/8in
bleed with crop marks so we will know where to cut your job.
UNACCEPTABLE : (Crops with no Bleed)
ACCEPTABLE : (With Bleed)
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5. Does Graphics Unique accept borders on
jobs?
Yes, but if the border is too close to the cutline, it may be cut
off-center slightly. We cut through many sheets at a time, so watch your
borders to avoid an unwanted mistake.
DO NOT SEND : (Borders too Close)
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6. How should I set up my file for proper
rotation?
We ask that you send your files horizontal, although certain circumstances
may allow you to send them vertical. See examples below on how we rotate
jobs before printing.
IMPROPER VERTICAL : (Text Reading Down)
PROPER ROTATION : (Text Reads Right)
PROPER VERTICAL ROTATION : (Our Method)
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7. How can I avoid transparency
issues?
Any transparency issue can be resolved before saving your file. Within
Illustrator, you may select the artwork, go to Object and choose
"Flatten Transparency".
FLATTENER PREVIEW : (Before Saving your File)
Also, please make sure to convert your pantone colors to CMYK. They will
interfere with objects and cause things to drop out.
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8. How should I label my files before
uploading them?
All we ask is that the front is labeled as the front, and the back
is labeled as the back. For jobs with folding, please indicate the front
panel.
IMPROPER LABELING : (No Indications)
PROPER LABELING : (Simple Indication)
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9. What is overprint, and how can it ruin
my file?
Primarily used to intentionally overlap Inks for a number of
reasons. We suggest that you turn all overprint objects off before
submitting your files. Unexpected results may occur if you have accidentally
set certain things to overprint.
TURNING OVERPRINT OFF : (Illustrator Dialogue Box)
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10. Can I submit multiple files in one
document?
No. We are now automating many of the functions we used to do
manually, and this requires that each side of a job must be on a separate
file. Try naming them 1-fr, 1-bk, 2-fr, 2-bk, etc.
UNACCEPTABLE : (Multi-up)
UNACCEPTABLE : (Front and Back on Same File)
ACCEPTABLE : (One Side on One File)
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11. How should I set up a Spot UV template?
When creating a Spot UV template, send a separate file to show exactly where
the UV will be placed. Use Black where you would like the UV and White where
you would not.
UNACCEPTABLE : (Colored Template)
ACCEPTABLE : (Black and White, No Gray)
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12. How can I set up a file for silver ink?
These are to be sent as an EPS file. Make sure you convert the silver color
to pantone 877c. You may not use gradients, or rasterized artwork. It must
be in a vector form as a solid color.
UNACCEPTABLE : (Silver Photoshop File)
ACCEPTABLE : (Illustrator Outlined Silver)
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13. How can I make sure my text wont be
cut off?
Using our templates is a great way to set up your file. Watch where
your cutline is, and keep the text at least .125in apart to
avoid an unfortunate outcome.
UNACCEPTABLE : (Text Unintentionally on Cutline)
ACCEPTABLE : (Text in Safe Area)
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14. What if my job has special
instructions?
There is a special instructions section on the website when you are
placing your order. If you have any special folds, or information the
processor will need, please display it here. Any other info may be e-mailed.
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