Artwork Setup Guide

We would like your job to go smoothly, so please read this artwork set-up guide carefully to ensure that we don’t run into any unforeseen problems.

If any issues are detected while performing your free artwork check we may suggest our Hand Holding Service to make your document “print-ready”.

If you are unsure of anything just give us a call and we will be happy to talk you through it.

Request your Template Files

Simply speak to your account manager and they will email a template for the product you require. Some products such a business cards or booklets do not require a template and we will give you the dimensions to set your document up to.

You will receive more than one template file for each section of your document including the cover and pockets where applicable.

Our template files are designed so that you can either work on them in your design package or open them in adobe reader to obtain the correct dimensions.

You will notice that there are a number of different features on the template. These are explained below:

Trim Line

The solid blue line represents the trimmed size and shape of the document. The trimmed size is noted on the PDF.

Fold Line

The dashed blue line represents where the document will be creased and folded.

Bleed Area

The solid light blue area represents the documents bleed. More information on bleed can be found on our Artwork Best Practices page.

Untrimmed Size

The untrimmed size of the document is the trimmed size plus the bleed. This is the size of the document that you must supply in order to print successfully. The untrimmed size is noted on the PDF.

Create your Artwork

In order to print your artwork successfully and to avoid additional charges we require a print ready PDF file.

Make sure you are using the correct template for your selected product.

Read our Artwork Best Practices and make sure the following checks are completed:

1. Set your document up to the relevant size including bleed.
2. Remove all guides, templates, crop marks and registration marks.
3. Avoid adding text or important graphics closer than 5mm from the trimmed edge.
4. Ensure that all images are 300dpi at the finished size with no compression.
5. Convert your document and all images to CMYK.
6. Convert all text to outlines and embed all fonts.
7. Save as a PDF/x-1a (industry standard format).

Save your Artwork

Delete or hide the template layer (if applicable).

Create a new folder named ‘artwork’.

Save your document into your ‘artwork’ folder with the same name as the template that you are working from. For example if your template is named a4_00mm_cover.pdf save your document as a4_00mm_cover.pdf.

Please ensure that you have saved the file as a PDF/x-1a file.

Repeat these steps with each template document and save them all into your ‘artwork folder’.

Zip or archive your ‘artwork’ folder and email it to us. If your files are particularly large we do have a Mailbigfile account where you can upload your artwork. Please get in touch for more details.

Then relax while we check your documents and email your PDF proof.