How to make your files all right for custom printing on the works?
Read below:
1.How to submit the artwork files to the printer?
You need to submit your file to a reliable web stage under our guide to save your time and money; if your file has problems to sent through internet, please send us DVD, for example, too big files, slow-speed transferring.
2.What is CMYK color mode?
CMYK is the color mode used to reproduce your job on one of our presses. The color calibration of Cyan (C), Magenta (M), Yellow (Y), and Black (K) determines the final color in your artwork. As a result, your submitted files must be in CMYK color mode to maximize color quality.
3.Do I need to use CMYK color mode?
Yes. If your files are submitted using any other color standard, such as RGB or Pantone, they will be converted to CMYK during preflighting. Conversion from one color standard to another may cause colors to shift. If you are not familliar with printing in CMYK color mode, we highly recomend that you order a hard copy proof, which can be selected for most our products. Please note that we can not guarantee that the color of your artwork printed on our presses will match that seen on your monitor or printed via any other method.
4.How do I match CMYK colors?
It is impossible to guarantee 100% color accuracy. However, you can maximize color quality by ensuring that all submitted files are in CMYK color mode and that the correct color calibration is set for the desired color match. When these four inks (collectively known as CMYK) are combined, they can produce millions of different colors. Changing the percentage (screen) of one ink can dramatically effect the color. Black (K), the fourth process ink, is often used to darken the colors created by the other three process colors CMY.
When color fidelity is critical, we recommends that you order a hardcopy color proof. A hardcopy color proof, which can be selected for most of our products, is the only way to ensure the color accuracy for your print job.
5.How can I guarantee color accuracy?
It is always challenging to match CMYK colors 100% on paper. Mixing colors on the computer can be challenging, namely when you are trying to translate specific colors to work in a four-color printing process. However, when color matching is critical, you should use a CMYK chart and enter the values that best reflect the color you are trying to reach.
Your software program and file type impact the best way to do color matching. Software programs have different tools to do color corrections, and some programs do not have any tools for color corrections. When printing a process (CMYK) document, you should make sure all of your colors are made up of process inks. For example, one hue of green can be made by combining 100% cyan and 100% yellow, and that hue can be changed by reducing the amount of yellow or cyan, or adding small amounts of magenta or black.
When color fidelity is critical, we recommends that you order a hardcopy color proof. A hardcopy color proof, which can be selected for most of our products, is the only way to ensure the color accuracy for your print job.
6.What if I want to create a solid black area?
When you want an area of solid black within a document, 100% black (K) will not result in a solid, saturated black. You should use rich black, which is made by mixing other colors of ink with black ink to produce a much darker, deeper black on press than can be achieved by using black ink alone. To create rich black on pieces printed, your CMYK calibration values must be 50% Cyan (C) and 100% Black (K).
7.What if my artwork is 4/1?
For 4/1 layouts, the artwork file for the backside should have a CMYK calibration of C:0%, M:0%, Y:0%, and K: 10%-100% depending on the gray you desire. Please note that K:10% is a lighter gray while K:100% is the darkest gray that is not rich black.
8.Does lighting impact color quality?
Yes. Lighting is important since it will affect how your artwork is perceived in terms of brightness, contrast and color. Ambient lighting, while viewing a digital image file on screen, needs to be considered. A bright room tends to yield darker than expected files, especially when printed. A dark room does the opposite. As a result, we recommend that a room be darker rather than lighter, but also consistent from morning through night.
9.Does my artwork have 0.25" bleeds?
We require a 0.25" bleed around the perimeter of your artwork to ensure accurate cutting (e.g., artwork for a 4"x6" postcard should extend to 4.25" x 6.25"). If your image has a white border on all four sides, bleeds are recommended but not required. If your image is not white on all four sides, you must include bleeds in print-ready files.
10.Does my artwork have borders?
If your artwork contains borders, you must make sure all borders are 1/4 (0.25) of an inch wide on each side of your artwork. In addition, you need to add a 1/8 (0.125) of an inch bleed on each side of your artwork. This approach will ensure proper cutting and help the finished product maintain a symmetrical appearance. If your border is not at least 1/4 (0.25) of an inch wide on each side, you risk creating a border that looks uneven.
11.Do you accept any file format?
No. We accepts print-ready files in any of the following formats: .eps, .jpg, .pdf, .ps, .psd, .tif. (design software programs: Adobe Photoshop® CS, Adobe Illustrator® CS, Adobe InDesign® CS, Adobe PageMaker, Macromedia Freehand®, QuarkXpress®.)
12.Can you help me prepare my files?
If additional file preparation support is needed, you may consider engaging our Coordinate Design Team to prepare your files quickly and cost effectively.
13.Why is resolution important?
Resolution also known as DPI (Dots Per Inch) can be described as the number of dots that fit horizontally and vertically into a one-inch space. Generally, the more dots per inch, the more detail captured and the sharper the resulting image.
For an image to print properly, the image must be at least 300 dots per inch (dpi) at the final output size. If your file is not 300 dpi, you can not simply increase the dpi from a low resolution to a higher one by increasing the DPI in your imaging program.
14.What if my file is missing fonts?
It is important that you supply all fonts used in your layout. If you do not supply fonts in your artwork file, we will request that you resubmit your files with fonts included.
If you have vector artwork and your file is missing fonts, you can open your file in Illustrator, select "Create Outlines", save your fonts, re-save your artwork file, and then upload it.
If you have artwork that is rasterized, you can open your file in Photoshop and select "Flatten the Layers", re-save your artwork file, and then submit it.
Please do not submit your fonts seperately from your file because it is critical that we receive your print-ready file with fonts included to avoid any printing issues.
15.How do I convert text to outlines?
All text within your files must be converted to outlines with the outline set to zero to eliminate the need for fonts.
16.What if my artwork contains gradients?
Gradients are commonly used in printing and in most instances produce good results. Gradients can be represented in a file as a mathematical equation (Vector) or rendered by the application into a series of pixels (Raster).