File Preparation

Document Setup Standards

Final Dimensions

All print files must be designed at their exact final trim size. This eliminates the need for scaling during prepress, which introduces interpolation artifacts and resolution loss. Large format prints, when scaled up from smaller documents, generate pixelation and vector distortion, especially in embedded logos or text. Our RIP engine assumes 1:1 ratio input. Submitting files at reduced dimensions violates native pixel density thresholds and causes production delays due to forced resizing.

Orientation and Layout

Files must reflect the intended output orientation. Landscape designs must be submitted as landscape-oriented files, and portrait as portrait. Rotation instructions are not honored. All elements must be correctly aligned relative to the document edge. Misaligned orientation affects cutter calibration and roll feed alignment on our large format equipment. Do not rotate content within the artboard as this leads to inconsistent visual registration during batch printing.

Bleed and Safe Zone Rules

Bleed Requirements by Product

Bleed must be included for all edge-to-edge print products. The bleed zone accounts for cutter drift tolerance during mass production. Our standard bleed is 2mm, but specific products require more:

• Standard prints: 2mm
• Envelopes: 1mm
• Folders, packaging, calendars: 3mm
• Canvas wraps and textile frames: 15mm

Failure to apply proper bleed introduces white edges or misaligned frames. Backgrounds, textures, and full-bleed images must extend fully into this area.

Safe Margin Zones

Critical elements must stay inside the safe zone—3mm from the trim line minimum. This includes text, logos, QR codes, and essential graphics. For bound materials, keep 20mm from the binding edge. Our cutting tolerances do not guarantee precision within 1mm at scale. Any content outside the safe zone risks being trimmed unintentionally.

Color Profile and Print Mode

CMYK Enforcement

Files must be converted to CMYK before submission. RGB values are interpreted differently by each RIP system and create unpredictable results. CMYK guarantees color stability across our calibrated printer fleet. Use ISO Coated v2 or GRACoL profiles for consistency. Files delivered in RGB are subject to auto-conversion with no visual proofing guarantee.

Black Handling

Black elements should use 100% K for text and vector graphics. Avoid rich black (multiple CMYK values) for small type. Rich black should only be used in large solid fills. Greyscale products must be prepared in true greyscale mode. Mixed CMYK greys will result in color casts on output due to ink density fluctuation.

Image Resolution and Quality

Resolution Targets

Images and raster elements must be embedded at the correct resolution based on use case:

• Photos and greyscales: 250 dpi at 100% size
• Line art and small type: 1,200 dpi
• Text-based signs: 150 dpi
• Non-detailed graphics or distant-view displays: 72 dpi

Files below these targets will not render cleanly. Upscaling in design software does not improve quality—it stretches existing pixel data without generating new detail. Our prepress checks flag low-resolution assets but do not fix them. Files passing through with inadequate resolution print as submitted.

Fonts, Outlines, and Paths

Font Conversion

Convert all text to outlines before submission. Font embedding is unreliable across RIP systems and missing fonts result in substitution errors. Our systems do not alert users when font replacement occurs. All text should be vectorized to preserve exact appearance and spacing. Embedded fonts, even if present, do not guarantee identical rendering across devices.

Stroke and Path Handling

All strokes must be expanded or converted to outlines. Strokes under 0.22 pt risk being omitted or printed inconsistently. Hairlines (0 pt strokes) are treated as non-printing. Use vector paths for geometric shapes. Flatten complex paths and avoid overcomplicated anchor point structures. Overloaded path data increases RIP processing time and can cause visual anomalies during rasterization.

Layer and File Integrity

Layer Flattening

Flatten all layers into a single background. Transparency blending and hidden layers interfere with print engine rendering. Layered files increase file size, reduce processing efficiency, and introduce visual unpredictability during ripping. Use “Flatten Artwork” or “Merge Layers” depending on the application used.

File Format Compliance

Accepted formats: PDF (X-1a preferred), EPS, AI, PS, JPG, TIF. PSD and INDD are not accepted. Files must be closed, print-ready vectors or high-resolution raster. Avoid password protection or print restrictions on PDFs—our systems cannot open secured files. All links and fonts must be embedded or converted prior to export.