What format should I send my artwork to the commercial printer

Here’s some tips for preparing the file format as a high res PDF for your printer. Keep in mind there are always exceptions to the rules in printing - that’s what makes it so fun!

If you’re not familiar with the printing “terms” used below, here’s a Swift Glossary of terms here. https://bit.ly/3zWh6no

We prefer a high resolution PDF for our print ready files. This makes all your images, typefaces and elements into one file that is easy to send and keep the file consistent for multiple systems.

• Add a .125 inch bleed all the way around the document so that if there is color all the way to the edge you get a clean trim and no “white showing” around the document. (Unless that is the look you want!)

• Make sure all the images are at least 300 dpi

• Your PFD should be created as single pages to size. Please don’t put multiples on a page for us, we’ll step it up ourselves.

• Keep all type and photos 1/8 inch away from the trim lines unless you intent for it to bleed off the page

• If you want a certain color make sure you pick a Pantone spot color. If it’s just 4 color process the color should look similar when we print, but keep in mind every printer has a little different color tolerance and every single computer monitor will show a little different color as well. If you want a color match make sure you pick a Pantone. Keep in mind there are digital color and offset color so make sure you’re using the right deck.

• Make sure all your typefaces and fonts are embedded in your document.

• Making a trifold brochure or multi-panels document? Make sure that the panel widths are set up correctly to make up for short folds.

• If you created your artwork in Canva, please click here to see the helpful tips for downloading your file. https://bit.ly/37tdukc

Questions, feel free to contact your favorite Grand Rapids, Michigan Printer and we can help you with the process. Email us at thankyou@swiftprinting.com