Technical Information

File Preparation

We prefer press-ready pdf or flattened Photoshop files for output. See below for file specs for different types of output.

Digital Printing specs

We require .125" (1/8") bleed on Digital Printing files. CMYK color is preferred, with a color profile of Sheetfed Coated v2. Images should have a resolution of 300 dpi at final size. Export pdf files as single pages, do not set up facing pages on a single page. Cover files should be exported as spreads, be sure to include outside and inside covers.

We also offer variable data as a printing option, please contact us for details.

Use these setting when creating your pdf file:

Use the [Press Quality] setting when exporting your pdf. Change the Compatibility option to Acrobat 7.

Set the Color Conversion in the Output panel to Convert to Destination. Set the Destination to the U.S. Sheetfed v2 color profile, and Include Destination Profile.

In Marks and Bleeds turn on Crop Marks and Page Information, set the marks Offset to .0833, and set the Bleed to .5".

Large Format specs

We require a minimum of .25" (1/4") bleed on Large Format files, more as the size increases: a 8' x 4' panel should have .5" bleed, larger murals should have at least 1" bleed. CMYK or RGB color is acceptable, with a color profile of Sheetfed Coated v2 or Adobe RGB (1998). If critical color matching is required (such as for PMS colors), CMYK is recommended. Images should have a resolution of 100 dpi at final size, unless vector elements are included, in which case the resolution should be 180 dpi. Limit small type or fine graphic elements across panel divides on trade show displays, where alignment of the panels may be difficult.

Vehicle Graphics specs

RGB Photoshop .psd files are recommended for Vehicle Graphics.

Vehicle Graphics require a minimum of 6" bleed – DO NOT crop the artwork to the contour of the vehicle. RGB color is preferred, with a color profile of Adobe RGB (1998). Images should have a resolution of 100 dpi at final size. We generally build our files at 1/10 scale, at a resolution of 1000 dpi. If you receive a schematic from us this will be its scale. Note that vehicle graphics files are typically quite large, often gigabytes in size. Please keep this in mind when starting your project.

Laser Engraving / Cutting specs

Illustrator is recommended for Laser files. The maximum size of the laser bed is 32" x 18". Please contact us for information on building files for the laser.

Dye Sublimation specs

InDesign, Quark, Illustrator and Photoshop are recommended for Dye Sublimation files. The maximum size for Dye Sublimation output is 11" x 17". Please contact us for information on building files for Dye Sublimation output.

Sending Us Files

We can accept files up to 10 mb in size via email.
https://dropbox.yousendit.com/Subia is available for larger files.

Reprinting Jobs

We archive all jobs. If you need a job reprinted next week or years from now, just contact us with the job number from your invoice.