Printing File Specifications
Technical guidelines and file requirements to ensure your print job comes out perfectly every time.
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Offset Printing
Technical specifications and file requirements
File Format Requirements
Preferred Format
PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 (print-ready PDF)
Also Accepted
Adobe InDesign (.indd), Illustrator (.ai), Photoshop (.psd)
Fonts
All fonts must be embedded or outlined/converted to paths
Images
All linked images must be included and embedded
Resolution & Color
Image Resolution
300 DPI minimum at final print size (600 DPI for fine details)
Color Mode
CMYK — RGB files will be converted and may shift in color
Color Profile
SWOP v2 or GRACoL 2006 recommended
Black Text
Use 100% K only for text under 12pt. Avoid rich black for small text.
Rich Black (large areas)
C:60 M:40 Y:40 K:100
Bleed & Safety
Bleed
1/8" (0.125") on all sides for elements that extend to the edge
Safety Margin
1/8" (0.125") from trim edge — keep all critical content inside
Trim Size
Set document to final trim size; do not include crop marks in the PDF
Ink & Coating
Max Ink Coverage
300% total ink density (TAC) for coated stock; 280% for uncoated
Spot Colors
Specify Pantone (PMS) colors by number for exact matching
Coatings
Aqueous, UV, and matte coatings available — specify at time of order