Artwork & File Preparation Guidelines
Follow these pre-press engineering instructions to ensure razor-sharp text, accurate color reproduction, and flawless guillotine trimming.
Mandatory Bleed
Extend background graphics, colored panels, and full-bleed photos at least 3mm (0.125 inches) beyond the final cut line on all four edges.
Color Space
All vector art and photography must be in CMYK color space (FOGRA39 or GRACoL 2006). Avoid RGB color profiles to eliminate unwanted color shifts.
Minimum DPI
All raster bitmap imagery must be at least 300 DPI native resolution at 100% final reproduction scale to prevent pixelation.
1. Recommended File Formats
We recommend submitting files in Print-Ready PDF format (PDF/X-1a:2001 or PDF/X-4). We also accept raw Adobe Illustrator (.ai) and packaged InDesign files with embedded assets.
2. Font Outlining & Vector Curves
Always convert all typefaces and fonts to vector outlines (in Adobe Illustrator: Type → Create Outlines, or `Ctrl+Shift+O` / `⌘+Shift+O`). This prevents font substitution errors if our RIP press servers lack proprietary custom typography.
3. Foil Stamping & Spot UV Mask Layers
If your product includes hot foil stamping, embossing, or spot UV lamination:
- Create a separate layer or distinct PDF page clearly labeled “FOIL” or “SPOT_UV”.
- Only elements to be foiled/varnished should appear on this layer, rendered as 100% Solid Black (K: 100%).
- Ensure the foil mask aligns with 0.1mm registration precision to the underlying CMYK print art.
4. Safe Margin / Quiet Zone
Keep all body text, logos, contact telephone numbers, and QR codes at least 4mm to 5mm inside the cut trim edge. This protects critical details from slight paper mechanical drift during high-speed hydraulic cutting.
Need Help Setting Up Your Artwork?
Our in-house design studio can inspect your existing files or create professional pre-press print layouts from scratch.