We recommend saving as a .PDF
You may also send the file in the following types: jpg, jpeg, psd, tif, tiff, eps, ai, and png

We prefer that you send .PDF and .EPS files with outlined fonts. These files are easier to handle and will likely speed up your turn-around. Remember to add crop marks and flatten your files before uploading.

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.

These colors are in RGB

These are the same colors but in CMYK

You should always start and finish your designs in CMYK color mode.

Low resolution files may be printed as is or will be placed on hold until we receive new files, slowing your turn-around.

These are 72 dpi low res images

These are the same images but at 300 dpi

We only accept 300 dpi files and no less.

Bleed must extend further than the cut line. Please keep all text and anything you do not want cut at least .125" away from the cut line.

When sending an .eps or .pdf, make sure you include crop marks so we can cut the job correctly.

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.

The Print Shoppe requires Print Ready files with proper rotation. Files submitted are printed HEAD to HEAD as-is based off your files.

Make sure to set up your files so that when we print them HEAD to HEAD the final product will read the way you would like. Also, front and back files need to be set up either both sides vertically or both sides horizontally.

If you would like your back file to be upside down, please send your artwork as shown below.

If you have a fold-over or greeting card, please send your artwork as shown.

For files not properly set up, The Print Shoppe will use best judgment and will not be responsible for improper rotation.

Any transparency issue can be resolved before saving your file.

What a transparency problem looks like on screen...

After a transparency problem is printed...

To prevent this, never use shadows, glows, or any other transparency (image or otherwise) on top of a spot color. Always convert your spot color to CMYK and flatten before sending.

Shadows               Glows                    Transparency

All of these effects will cause transparency problems.

When sending artwork, do not send extra files, like proofs or samples, because they might get printed. Only send the files you need printed.

Do not send these kinds of files

We are not responsible for these kinds of files being printed. Unless requested by one of our employees, DO NOT send files that you do not want printed.

Primarily used to intentionally overlap inks for a number of reasons, overprint can cause unexpected results. We suggest that you turn all overprint objects off before submitting your files.

On Screen View                    After Printing

In this case the logo was set to overprint. The colors from logo are mixing with the colors from the background. Unexpected results may occur if you have accidentally set certain objects to overprint. Always check logos and other artwork before submitting.

No. We are now specifically set up to process one side at a time, and this requires that each side of a job must be on a separate file.

2 Files – 1FR, 1BK                        1 File – FR&BK

Not separating files will cause delays and you might have to send the files again. Remember to separate the pages of your .pdf files as well.

When creating a Spot UV job, You must include a Spot UV template file along with the regular full color file. The Spot UV template file is used to show where the UV will be placed.

Normal CMYK Print File                   Spot UV Template File

Use 100% K to indicate where you would like the UV. White will indicate no UV.

Remember "If it's white, you can write!"

Silver ink files must be sent in a vector format. You must use a vector program, like Illustrator or Indesign, to call out the object you want in silver ink.

To indicate the silver ink, you must set the object color to Pantone¨ 877 C. Any other color will not be accepted as silver. Also, labeling the layer as "silver mask" or "silver" will not qualify your file.

Vector Based Programs

Raster Programs

Remember, silver is a spot color and transparencies like drop shadows should be avoided.

When exporting from any program such as Indesign or Illustrator, use these settings to make sure your .PDF files export correctly.

Export settings for .PDF files

Adobe PDF Preset is set to: Press Quality

Compatibility is set to: Acrobat 4 (PDF 1.3)

Compress Text and Line Art is set to: Off

Cracking of the edges of a business card sometimes occurs when the card contains high values of ink, as in dark colors.

Close up of business card

This usually happens on a small amount of cards in the run. To prevent this, use lighter colors or if you must use dark colors, use as little ink as possible.