Below are some helpful points on how to prepare files before submitting to us.
OFFSET
If you submit a large project such as a brochure, catalogue or any project with many pages it’s best to send us your indesign working files along with all fonts, links and a hi resolution pdf.
How to prepare a file before submitting to us:
- InDesign Packaged for larger projects
- Outline or convert fonts to shapes if just an Illustrator file is sent
- Include .25 inch of bleed if necessary
- Indicate cropmarks in your pdf proof
- Indicate special notes
- All images should be hi-resolution @ 300DPI
- Hi Res pdf’s should be PDFX-1a:2001
LETTERPRESS
Our favorite ways to receive files: a press-ready PDF with fonts embedded, or else an EPS file with type outlined. Following the requirements below will help you send us the best possible files and we can ship back perfect plates.
If using Adobe Illustrator: Illustrator works very well for drawing artwork and setting type. Before sending your Illustrator file to us, outline the type (Type>Outline) and save the layout as a new file name (so that you can go back to edit the type if necessary later). Also, embed all linked images (an option in the Links palette). Preferred file formats: PDF or AI or EPS. If using Adobe InDesign: InDesign work very well for typesetting and multiple-page layouts. Preferred file format: exported PDF (File > Export as > Print / Press ready PDF – not Interactive.)
How to prepare a file before submitting to us:
- Outline or convert fonts to shapes
- For a primary and secondary colours, keep in separate layers
- Ensure all strokes are expanded so that it is no longer a stroke
- All graphics should be vector based
- Indicate cropmarks in your pdf proof
- Indicate Pantone colours, do not convert to CMYK
- Minimum font size is about 7 point to 8 point and must be a medium weight
- Larger font letters can be thinner
LASERCUT
It is important to show Value Printing your ideas and what you want to accomplish when using the laser cutting service. Typically we adjust your files so that our laser cutting machine can understand the data. We offer 1 free round of 30 minutes to adjust your files. Should there be edits after the first round there will be a charge associated with the time it takes to update. In order to help save on costs please read the below.
How to prepare a file before submitting to us:
- All strokes should be no less than 1 point
- Make the stroke 100% Spot Magenta
- Ensure your artwork does not cut out another internal piece
- Indicate cropmarks in your pdf proof
- Outline or convert fonts to shapes
- We prefer working with Illustrator files
HOT FOIL STAMPING
Similar to Letterpress create a separate layer of just the artwork you wish to have foiled. Indicate the foil you wish to use. Value printing has many options for you to choose from.
If using Adobe Illustrator: Illustrator works very well for drawing artwork and setting type. Before sending your Illustrator file to us, outline the type (Type>Outline) and save the layout as a new file name (so that you can go back to edit the type if necessary later).
How to prepare a file before submitting to us:
- Ensure all strokes are expanded so that it is no longer a stroke
- Outline or convert fonts to shapes
- Minimum font size is about 7 point to 8 point and must be a medium weight
- We prefer working with Illustrator files
- Indicate cropmarks in your pdf proof
DIGITAL FOIL
Similar to Letterpress we ask that when you submit a Digital foil job, create a separate layer of just the artwork you wish to have foiled. Indicate the foil you wish to use. Value printing has limited options for you to choose from such as gold foil, champagne gold foil, silver foil, copper foil. If using Adobe Illustrator: Illustrator works very well for drawing artwork and setting type. Before sending your Illustrator file to us, outline the type (Type>Outline) and save the layout as a new file name (so that you can go back to edit the type if necessary later)
How to prepare a file before submitting to us:
- Make all foil graphics a 100% Black
- Ensure all strokes are expanded so that it is no longer a stroke
- Outline or convert fonts to shapes
- Minimum font size is about 7 point to 8 point and must be a medium weight
- We prefer working with Illustrator files
- Indicate cropmarks in your pdf proof
DIGITAL PRINTING
If you submit a large project such as a brochure, catalogue or any project with many pages it’s best to send us your indesign working files along with all fonts, links and a hi resolution pdf. If it is a smaller job with a low run then hi resolution pdf’s are good. It is important to understand that digital printing colours my be slightly different compared to offset. We recommend requesting a printed proof.
How to prepare a file before submitting to us:
- InDesign Packaged for larger projects
- Outline or convert fonts to shapes if just an Illustrator file is sent
- Include .25 inches of bleed if nessasary
- Indicate cropmarks in your pdf proof
- Indicate special notes
- All images should be hi-resolution @ 300DPI
- Hi Res pdf’s should be PDFX-1a:2001
EMBOSSING
If you are creating a blind embossed or a debossed design then make the graphic 100% spot magenta.
How to prepare a file before submitting to us:
- Outline or convert fonts to shapes
- Indicate cropmarks in your pdf proof
- Ensure all strokes are expanded so that it is no longer a stroke
- Minimum font size is about 7 point to 8 point and must be a medium weight
DIGITAL WHITE INK
Make all text that is to be white a 100% spot magenta.
How to prepare a file before submitting to us:
- Outline or convert fonts to shapes
- Indicate cropmarks in your pdf proof
DIGITAL VARNISH ON PAPER
Make all text that is to be varnished a 100% spot magenta.
How to prepare a file before submitting to us:
- Outline or convert fonts to shapes
- Indicate cropmarks in your pdf proof