File Preparation
This checklist will help you ensure that your files are properly set-up
Format: Tiff, psd or jpeg only please. We will not accept pdf, epi, or ai files.
DPI: Make sure ALL your files are set at 300dpi
Size: This means the real world size. The size your file is set up as, will be the size it will be printed. If your file is 6.2 x 9.6 inches, that is the size it will print on the page. If you resize your file from say 6x9 to12x18 inches, make sure your dpi stays at 300dpi. We don't print with "bleed" or use cutting to resize the print after printing. We always cut straight to the edge of the image unless otherwise requested.
Aspect Ratio: This is new to many people. Think if it this way - Instagram. Usually Instagram images are square. Meaning 1:1 aspect ratio. So, if you want, say an 8”x8” print and you give us a file that isn’t square, we will need to crop it to be 8”x8”. If you have trouble dealing with this issue, please mark your file as “not fully prepared” in the upload form and we’ll help you solve this.
Borders: If you want borders (white space) around your image, please add this yourself. Adding this space will add cost as we charge for the final size of the whole print.
Crop marks: Do NOT add crop marks. We will take care of this on our end.
Color space: AdobeRGB. Keep in mind: If your file is in sRGB, don't bother to change it to Adobe RGB, simply leave it at sRGB. If it is in any other colorspace than sRGB or AdobeRGB, please convert it to AdobeRGB
CMYK or RGB?: RGB. Our printers only print in RGB and therefore we will need to convert CMYK to RGB which will again change the look of the print slightly
Convert all fonts to outlines: Fonts are not universal. If you use a font on your computer which we don't have on ours, we will have to convert it to a similar one, which may not be to your liking. Always convert fonts to outlines before uploading.
Flatten Layers and convert to non-compressed jpeg: As long as there are to be no further changes to your file, it is acceptable to convert it to a jpeg. You can send the file as a tiff or psd, but not as RAW. This is considered an unfinished file.
If these instructions are out of your reach, we can convert all your files individually, starting at $10/file, with a reduced rate for multiple files.
Cutting: Sometimes if we print your file on a piece of paper that is larger than your file, we leave the extra white space on the page. We find this is useful while transporting and handling the print. If you want this cut off, please instruct us to do so on the File Upload page.
If you want to print many prints on one page and cut them down, you will need to do this yourself. We can cut all these images down ourselves but will incur a 25c per cut fee.
Adjustments: If there are adjustments you need us to make, please let us know in the upload page. We can help you with any of this but there may be a charge incurred. For significant digital work, we charge $80/hr calculated at quarter hour portions.
PLEASE NOTE: The files you upload must be ready to print. If they are in need of adjustments or modifications, this must be indicated when uploaded, even if it was mentioned in previous emails. If files are setup incorrectly resulting in misprints, they can be reprinted but at full cost.
Any questions? Please email us.