Graphic Guide Lines

We prefer pdf files but we can print also from Adobe Illustrator files CS5 provided all fonts have been outlined and all links have been included, Photoshop files CS5 provided all fonts have been converted to shape and files have been flattened, it may work also without converting fonts to shape but it's better to do it anyways. JPEG, TIFF. IN EITHER CASE, DON'T FORGET BLEED AND CROPMARKS. IF YOU SEND US ANYTHING BUT PDF WE WILL EMAIL YOU A PDF PROOF WHICH WILL DELAY YOUR ORDER. The production time with all files that encounter a problem or need attention will start from the time the file is production-ready not the time the order was placed. IN CONCLUSION PLEASE SEND US PDF FILES IF YOU CAN.

 

Uploaded Content Requirements:

We strongly recommend that content uploaded to COPYMAX INC. for printing purposes meets the below requirement:

 

Resolution:

-At a minimum of 300 DPI at 1:1 ratio (or 100%). Content that does not meet this standard will/may experience/print images that are fuzzy, pixelated or otherwise distorted for which COPYMAX INC. does not accept any responsibility. Jobs designed at 150dpi or lower will print pixelated and poor quality. By Uploading your files to COPYMAX INC. site you assume full responsibility for quality, contents and placement of all the info. In severe cases we reserve the right to reject content that does not meet this standard, but we do not assume any obligation to verify that the content meets this criterion.

 

Color:

-Designed in CMYK and uploaded to COPYMAX INC. with no embedded color profile. (You may upload in RGB or same other standard if you choose, however, the color will be converted and COPYMAX INC. is not responsible for any inaccuracy or color shift that occurs as a result of the conversion). There are two types of color spaces that are used for graphic and print design: RGB (Red, Green, Blue) These are the colors your monitor uses to display everything. CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) These are the colors used for printing. Color shifts are usually not visible in color photographs. However, rich and solid colors(like a background) can be affected by a color conversion. Most of the time, color shifts are minor and may not be noticeable.

 

Color Quality:

-COPYMAX INC. guarantees that its prints will meet CMYK industry standards. We cannot guarantee "match-print" color quality and cannot prevent slight color shift throughout an order. Because we cannot control the color reproduction of a customer's computer monitor, we cannot guarantee that the actual print color will precisely match any preview as it appears on your monitor. COPYMAX INC. is not responsible for any color shift in converted photographs (RGB images) with black, near black, or gray tones. Color shifts from a perceived black or gray must be addressed prior to file submission. Proofs do not guarantee black, near black or gray final output. Please note that the application of UV coating may have an effect upon or change the appearance of printed colors. COPYMAX INC. is not liable for the final color appearance of a UV coated products. Same exact file printed at different times won't be exactly the same, in other words colors may be different.

 

Bleed:

-If your document requires bleed, your design needs to extend 1/8" inch past the original canvas. Make sure you do not have any important content in this area as about 1/8” on all sides will be trimmed off. Also, please keep your text and images at least 1/8th inch away from the edge of your design.

 

Using the color BLACK:

 

Rich Black

 

-Large, solid black areas and text over 36 points should use Rich Black to prevent the color looking gray. Rich Black consists of 30% Cyan, 30% Magenta, 30% Yellow, 100% Black. For regular body text, do not use Rich Black. All small text should be created as 100% black, 0% Cyan, Magenta, Yellow.

 

Fonts:

-Convert fonts to paths/outline when possible. By converting fonts to paths/outline in programs like Illustrator and FreeHand, you will avoid having to send the fonts with your files. When converting to paths/outline, the text becomes a vector shape and we are not required to have the fonts on our suytem.

 

In Photoshop, text can be rasterized and therefore does not need the fonts, however, keep in mind that after rasterizing, no changes can be made to the text.

 

If your fonts are not converted to paths or rasterized, your design may not be viewed the way it was meant to be seen.

 

File Names:

-In order to make the pre-flight process more efficient, please use unique file names for files you are submitting. The file name should reflect the job name that was given when ordering. Example: jsmith_4x6_front.pdf

 

ARTWORK FAQ:

What is bleed?

Artwork extended 1/8" on all 4 sides to allow for cutter variance.

How should I submit my files when ordering a Catalog or Mini Catalog?

Always submit your files as single pages. Our automated imposition software will do the rest.

Should I submit my files as reader/page spreads or printer spreads?

Always submit your files as single pages or page spread not print spread. Our automated imposition software will do the rest.

What is Rich Black Text?

Rich black text is 4 Color type. Small text may appear fuzzy in rich black. For best results, set your black text to 100% Black for smaller print.

What values should I use for Rich Black?

We recommend 30% Cyan, 30% Magenta, 30% Yellow and 100% Black. Please keep total ink coverage at 300% or less.

How do I create outlines in Illustrator?

This option is under the Type menu called "Create Outlines" (Mac: Command + Shift + O) (Windows: Control + Shift + O).

Can you create outlines in Photoshop?

Yes, the option is called "Convert to Shape." This option is under the Layer menu, Type, option Convert to Shape.

How much Bleed do I need?

We require all files be sent with 1/8" on all sides.

What does too close to trim mean?

When nonbleeding information is near or on the trim line. We ask for a 1/8" margin for all nonbleeding information.

What resolution should my file be?

We ask that all images and artwork be no less the 300dpi.

How do I convert my artwork to CMYK in Photoshop?

This option is under Image menu, Mode, option CMYK Color.

Why are my drop shadows low resolution in Illustrator?

The default setting is 72ppi. To change this, go to the menu option Effect, then select "Document Raster Effects Settings" and change to High (300 ppi).

How do I fix Transparency issues?

The simplest way in most programs is to raster together all images, artwork & transparencies into one layer, keeping your type on top in a separate layer.

What does low res mean?

Low resolution is typically 200 dpi or lower. We recommend 300 dpi at 100% of picture placement.