Find answers to the most commonly asked questions. For further assistance fast, please contact us here.
PLEASE NOTE:
All native file artwork (Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and others, etc.) created by ProSource Printing remains the sole property of ProSource Printing. No native files will be released to the client for any reason. The client is paying for design services and final printed products. The client is NOT paying for native design files. No exceptions.
How should I prepare a file for print?
You need to supply a flattened, PRINT READY .PDF or JPG file. We require 300dpi, converted to CMYK colorspace, and flattened PDF or JPG. DO NOT specify your trim area with crop marks, please use our templates as a guide. Make sure you have a minimum of 1/8″ (0.125″) BLEED on all edges of your job, and a 1/8″ (0.125″) SAFE area that has all critical design element such as text, pulled away from trim.
For large format banners and signs all text and imagery must be kept withing 2″ of the trim edge. Background images must still extend into the bleed area.
Following these guidelines, and CAREFULLY CHECKING THE RESULTING PDF or JPG before uploading will greatly reduce the possibility of error and accelerate your job through production.
PDF and JPG print ready files:
- Resolution of 300 dpi
- CMYK colorspace
- All fonts outlined and embedded (excludes jpgs)
- Artwork should have 1/8″ (0.125″) bleed from trim line
- Information content (“Safe Area”) should be 1/8″ (0.125″) away from trim line.
What file formats do you accept?
We accept .ai, .eps, .pdf, and .jpg files. Keep in mind anything other than .ai, .eps, .pdf, and .jpg files will incur additional charges. A properly prepared PDF file will greatly reduce processing time and error on your proofs, as opposed to working with external elements such as fonts, images, and layout files.
In addition, you may choose to send one .ZIP file with all of your art contained within the .ZIP file. When sending a .ZIP file it is imperative that you properly label each individual file so we know which file goes with which item in your order and so we know which is the front and which is the back.
How much bleed do you require?
We require a 1/8″ (0.125″) bleed on all projects. This will add 1/8″ (0.125″) to your overall image area, on both dimensions.
Example: for a 2″ x 3.5″ business card your artboard will be 2.125″ x 3.625″.
For large format banners and signs all text and imagery must be kept within 2″ of the trim edge. Background images must still extend into the bleed area.
What if my file format is not listed?
File formats that are not listed in our accepted formats, must be converted to an accepted format. Examples of file formats that require conversion include .psd, .ai, .indd, etc. For Windows users, there are many free utilities such as PrimoPDF to convert your job to .pdf form. Please understand that we are not responsible for how you convert these unsupported file types. Please double check your final .pdf before submission. If your job comes out incorrectly because of problems stemming from a bad conversion, we will not be responsible. Also, please note that Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft PowerPoint ARE NOT acceptable graphics editors for print work. We STRONGLY recommend using an dedicated graphics editor to create print ready files.
CMYK is also called 4-color Process. Colors in CMYK images are composed of varying amounts of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. This is the way a printing press prints color, so it is vital that your image be in this color mode. For 1-color Process it needs to be grayscale or bitmap (which only use Black).
RGB is an abbreviation for Red, Green, and Blue. This is a color system commonly used for monitors, digital cameras, televisions, etc. This color system works well for DIGITAL items but not for printing ink on paper. You MUST convert your files from RGB to CMYK prior to uploading your files. You will notice that some colors (especially fluorescents), will convert to a much darker color. It is important you handle the conversion on your end so have a realistic idea of what can print, and choose your colors accordingly. Even better is to begin your new document in CMYK to avoid having to convert later.
What is PMS, Spot colors and Metallic colors?
Pantone Matching System (PMS)
A popular color matching system used by the printing industry to print spot colors. Most applications that support color printing allow you to specify colors by indicating the Pantone name or number. This assures that you get the right color when the file is printed, even though the color may not look right when displayed on your monitor. PMS works well for spot colors but not for process colors, which are generally specified using the CMYK color model.
Spot Color/Metallics
Refers to a method of specifying and printing colors in which each color is printed with its own ink. In contrast, process color printing uses four inks (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) to produce all other colors. Spot color printing is effective when the printed matter contains only one to three different colors, but it becomes prohibitively expensive for more colors. Most desktop publishing and graphics applications allow you to specify spot colors for text and other elements. There are a number of color specification systems for specifying spot colors, but Pantone is the most widely used.
Controlling colorshift when converting from PMS
Often times, there is a dramatic color shift when converting from Pantone spot colors to CMYK. This is because spot colors are made of only one custom color and are very expensive. Using the process printing method, we are able to make thousands of colors from just four inks, but some colors fall outside the range of what can be simulated.
Becuase of CMYK’s limited color gamut, the simulation of any particular pantone ink will sometimes not be an accurate conversion. A close up look will show that CMYK’s color gamut has only four inks to simulate a special pantone color using cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks only. At magnified view, these four inks overlap eachother in what is called “half tone dots” gives the human eye a visual of a particular color
Can I place an order and upload files later?
Yes. Our system allow for uploading files separate from ordering if you choose. We recommend uploading files at the time the order is placed because you are lead through the process in our interface but, uploading later and/or by a different person is also available. You will receive a confirmation email after your order is placed. There will be a link for uploading files. You can forward you confirmation email to your designer or follow the link yourself later to upload files.
Can I upload more than one file at a time?
Yes and no. No. Our system is designed to only accept one file per upload. To upload more than one you must follow the instructions in “How do I upload files?“. The appropriate way to send more than 2 files, is to place all files in one folder, create a “zipped” (.zip) archive, and upload as a single zip file.
Can I submit files via email or by mailing a CD or DVD?
Yes. For additional fees, you may mail a physical disk. Please understand we are not responsible for delays or lost files if they are submitted in this manner. We will not return the disk.
Do you keep coplies of my files?
Due to the volume of print we process, we are only able to archive jobs for 30 days from the point they are uploaded. Please keep copies of your files. We are not responsible for client’s sole copies of files.
The only copies we archive are the jobs that we design for clients.
Are there additional charges for file corrections?
Yes. All of our pricing is based on print-ready files. Please check and correct any issues BEFORE uploading your files. If a prepress technician finds something lacking in the file, they will either contact you with a description of what the issues are that need to be resolved with your file or if they can’t get in touch with you they will correct it (you will be responsible for charges incurred).
Designing for USPS mailing regulations
For printed products that will be mailed, we recommend you visit the USPS website and follow their guidlines.
How do I specify which side will be coated?
In the case of UV 1 Side jobs, or AQ 1 Side jobs, the odd pages in your supplied .pdf will always be the coating surfaces. For example in a single-version postcard, page 1 would be coated. In the case of a 3 version business card, pages 1, 3 and 5 would be coated. If you are supplying individual files for the front and back, you may want to name them “Coating” and “NoCoating”. Remember, despite how you submit files, you will be held responsible for checking the coating sides of your job in your proof from us.
What if I find a mistake in my file?
This will incur an additional fee. Please carefully check your files before uploading. If this job has not been worked on, we MAY be able to spare you this fee. We reserve the right to charge the re-rip fee regardless. Also, please be aware that files coming into our FTP site are time stamped. If you upload files after a proof is sent, you will definitely be charge a re-rip fee.