PREPRESS REQUIREMENTS FOR CUSTOM PRINTING
Here are the applications that are acceptable formats for artwork submission. This information is also available here to download (PDF). For our companion guide to simple printing (PDF), click here.
Adobe® PDF
Embed all fonts (or convert text to vector outline) before creating PDF. PDF files should be provided with artwork that is high resolution (if raster format) with all elements color separated and assigned proper Pantone® uncoated colors.
Files should be accurate regarding size, position, color, etc. Only minor modifications will be made free of charge.
Adobe Photoshop® CC or earlier: EPS, PSD, TIFF
All files should be created or scanned at a minimum 300 dpi resolution, 100% size. Exception: For text elements, we require a minimum 600 dpi resolution (1200 dpi preferred).
Changing a low-resolution file (72 dpi) to be 300 dpi is not recommended and does not provide the same high resolution quality.
Layers should be left intact whenever possible.
Fonts used may not be compatible with our system, so it is best to convert text to vector outline. Text may also be rasterized if it is at least 1200 dpi (NOT 300 dpi, which is the default resolution for PSD files).
Color files should be converted to grayscale (areas in the image that are to print 100% solid should read 100% black) with desired color indicated in order comments, or as monotone image with Pantone® uncoated color assigned.
Color files can be submitted in the following method: Multi-layered TIFF file w/ each color on its own layer.
1 and 2 color files submitted in CMYK or RGB format can sometimes be converted or color separated for an additional art fee that will be determined depending on the complexity of the file.
Colors can be chosen with a reasonable degree of accuracy but it is strongly recommended that colors be chosen from Pantone® uncoated swatches and indicated in comments when order is placed.
JPG and GIF files are generally low resolution and produce poor results when printed, therefore these are not recommended file formats.
Adobe Illustrator® CC or earlier: EPS, AI
All file elements should be assigned a Pantone® uncoated color.
Fonts used may not be compatible with our system, so it is best to convert text to vector outline.
Embed any linked images (EPS, TIFF, etc.)
Adobe InDesign® CC or earlier
All file elements should be assigned a Pantone® uncoated color.
Fonts used may not be compatible with our system, so it is best to convert text to vector outline.
Embed any linked images (EPS, TIFF, etc.)
Microsoft Word®
Microsoft Word is not an acceptable format for imprint-ready artwork. If Word is used, do not include any graphics or placed images (send them separately and indicate placement). Do not apply any other color than black to content. Please save Word® documents as PDF files and send both the Word doc and the PDF.
Graphics Programs Resources and Information
Please note that from this list only files created with Acrobat, Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign are acceptable formats for our prepress department (as noted above).
Adobe Acrobat
Current Version: Standard/Pro (Windows and Macintosh)
Release Date: March 2023
Information about Adobe Acrobat can be found at: adobe.com
Adobe Acrobat has been reviewed at: g2.com
Adobe Illustrator
Current Version: CC 2023 (Windows and Macintosh)
Release Date: October 2022
Information about Adobe Illustrator can be found at: adobe.com
Adobe Illustrator has been reviewed at: machow2.com
Adobe Photoshop
Current Version: CC 2024 (Windows and Macintosh)
Release Date: September 2023
Information about Adobe Photoshop can be found at: adobe.com
Adobe Photoshop has been reviewed at: prodesigntools.com
Apple Pages
Current Version: 13.0 (Macintosh)
Release Date: March 2023
Information about Apple Pages can be found at: apple.com
Apple Pages has been reviewed at: macupdate.com
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite
Current Version: 2023 (Windows and Macintosh)
Release Date: March 2023
Information about CorelDRAW Graphics Suite can be found at: coreldraw.com
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite has been reviewed at: capterra.com
QuarkXPress
Current Version: 2023 (19.0.0)
Release Date: November 2022
Information about QuarkXPress can be found at: quark.com
QuarkXPress has been reviewed at: g2.com
Affinity Suite
Current Version: 2 (Windows and Macintosh)
Release Date: November 2022
Information about Affinity Suite can be found at: affinity.com
Affinity Suite has been reviewed at: techradar.com
Adobe InDesign
Current Version: CC 2023 (Windows and Macintosh)
Release Date: October 2022
Information about Adobe InDesign can be found at: adobe.com
Adobe InDesign has been reviewed at: g2.com
Adobe Photoshop Elements
Current Version: CC 2023 (Windows and Macintosh)
Release Date: September 2022
Information about Adobe Photoshop Elements can be found at: adobe.com
Adobe Photoshop Elements has been reviewed at: pcmag.com
Microsoft Publisher
Current Version: Included with a Microsoft 365 subscription (Windows)
Information about Microsoft Publisher can be found at: products.office.com
Microsoft Publisher has been reviewed at: techradar.com