Artwork guidelines and Technical advice

Supplying PDF Artwork

We prefer all artwork to be supplied in high-resolution 300dpi PDF file format at the correct file size. If you have any issues with this please contact the office on 071 9133409.

How to prepare print-ready artwork

  • When supplying artwork to us we need high-resolution CMYK, PDF files with a minimum of 5mm bleed on all 4 sides.

Bleed: Please ensure there is a 5mm bleed all round a PDF, i.e. save the PDF with 5mm added to each measurement. Include crop and bleed marks. If your artwork is supplied without bleed we may not always be able to add it on for you and you may have to amend and re-supply the artwork. We advise that you allow a minimum of 5mm margin for text from the edge of the document to allow for trimming. If creasing or folding is required please mark in the bleed area of your artwork.

  • Outline all fonts as we might not have the same font as you, and you could see changes to your design.
  • Ensure all photos used in the artwork are high-resolution 300 dpi, colour mode CMYK.

Why we need a high-resolution PDF @ 300dpi

  • There are different requirements for both printed material and images for the screen. If you use an image from a website in your printed material it is more than likely to distort as there are fewer pixels or dots which make up the image. Images for the screen are generally 72 dpi (dots per inch) and images for print need to be 300 dpi.

CMYK colour mode explained Short hand for the colours used in Four Colour Process Printing. Cyan, Yellow, Magenta and Black – CMYK. ‘Bleed’ explained

  • This is the printed area which extends off the trimmed area.
  • It is not possible to print all the way to the edge of the paper sheet. To achieve this effect it is necessary to print a larger area than is required and then trim the paper down. Typically a designer would allow an extra 5mm or bleed to colour and image areas to allow for a little leeway when trimming.

 Crop marks explained Printed or drawn lines indicating where the paper should be cut to produce the correct page size. Crop marks are necessary for offset printing because the original paper that goes through the printing press is usually larger than the final page size.

Product Information and how to order

Most often, when customers discuss the type of printing products they need, they are thinking more in terms of end products such as printing brochures, flyers, books, stationery, packaging, catalogs etc. As your printer, we also need to know other specifics like:What are you trying to communicate?Who is your audience?Will this print project be an educational product, a promotional product or something else?Will it be a one-time print project or repeat printing?  Please include as much details as you can on your email, when you are send us your content. We can accept your documents in a variety of formats: Hard copies, USB, or upload online on our website you can also email it to us at [email protected] or [email protected]. The maximum file size preferred by email is 20mb. If you need to email us something larger than this please call us on 071 9133409 and we can go through the process of transferring the file. Some of our more popular products:

Brochures

Brochures are available in standard sizes, A3 folded to A4, A4 folded to A5, A4 folded to DL and many more custom sizes if required, Brochures can be printed on coated or uncoated stock. An brochures are often used as a flyer or product sheet or tri-folded or half folded for a company brochure. There are numerous paper choices and are printed with full-colour on the front side and black on the reverse only, or full colour throughout.

Business Cards

Business cards are ordered in any increments. Cards are printed with full-colour on the front side and black on the reverse, or full colour on both sides. Paper choices are 350gsm card uncoated or 350gsm coated, we can laminated Business cards at an additional cost (Gloss or Matt).

Postcards

Postcards can be ordered in any increments. Cards are printed with full-colour on the front side and black on the reverse, or full colour on both sides. Paper choices are 350gsm card uncoated or 350gsm coated.

Letterhead and Envelopes

You can order custom letterheads and envelopes together, both printed full colour on one side. Our featured stock is 160gsm uncoated. This ultra-smooth stock shows off your full colour design beautifully, and is guaranteed laser-safe. Letterhead and envelopes can also be ordered separately.

Newsletters

Newsletters come in two sizes A3 folded to A4, A4 folded to A5. We can print up to 8 pages (or more by special request), and offer a choice of economical 90gsm/100gsm uncoated stock. Multiple fold types and additional page counts are available.

Greeting Cards

Greeting Cards can be ordered in any increments. Cards are printed with full-colour on the front side and black on the inner, or full colour on both sides. Paper choices are 350gsm card uncoated or 350gsm coated, which are best for writing on the inside. Cards can be ordered folded or unfolded and we offer Free white envelopes with all our greeting card orders.

Posters

Posters are printed full colour on one side, with a maximum size of 420mm x 297mm. Paper is 170gsm gloss or 160gsm uncoated stock. We also offer full colour Large Poster printing in size A1/A2/A0 mounted on foam core board if required.

Carbonless Forms

Carbonless or NCR Forms come in 2, 3 or 4 part sets and can be shipped loose or in pads of 25, 50 or 100. They can be numbered and perforated depending on the customer’s requirements, They can also be made into invoice or receipt books with a cover wrap. They can be printed with full colour at an additional cost and normally would always be printed Black and white. They can be supplied in various sizes.