PDF

PDFs are the best way to provide artwork to us. You can export PDFs from most design software (try File>Save or File>Export) or you can use software called a PDF Printer to create a PDF from the print menu of ANY other software (if you have Acrobat Professional installed, you should already have 'Adobe PDF' in your list of printers, otherwise click here for a free PDF printer).

Any images within the file should have an original resolution of 300 dpi. Please ensure that the file has a 3mm bleed and crop marks (lines around the edges identifying where the bleed ends and the actual artwork begins).

When creating the PDF, the PDF options dialogue should appear. In this window you may have to specify the CMYK colour space. To do this, click on Output on the left hand side, under Conversion select Convert to Destination and under Destination select any option that includes CMYK (see below).

EPS

When supplying as EPS make sure that all fonts are embedded, and that you include document thumbnails. Transparency resolution should be set to High. All files should also be in CMYK colour mode and have all relevant bleeds and crop marks (lines around the edges identifying where the bleed ends and the actual artwork begins).

JPEG / TIFF / BMP

Avoid using BMP files, but if you must then please send it to us in a ZIP file to reduce the filesize. By default each time you save and reopen a JPEG, the quality reduces. If you are sending us a JPEG, it is vital that each time you save the image, you select MAXIMUM quality. Do NOT use GIF files for print artwork.

Please ensure that these file types are created at high resolution (300 dpi) and are in CMYK colour mode and have all relevant bleeds and crop marks (lines around the edges identifying where the bleed ends and the actual artwork begins).

Indesign files (.indd)

Please do not supply indesign files. Simply output a PDF or EPS from the application (File > Output), ensuring that you follow the above guidelines for these formats. There is no advantage to supplying an indd file.

Please ensure that all images are at high resolution (300 dpi) and that the document is in CMYK colour mode and has all relevant bleeds and crop marks (lines around the edges identifying where the bleed ends and the actual artwork begins).

How to convert an Indesign file to CMYK

Quark Files (.qxp)

Please do not supply Quark files. Simply output a PDF (File > Export > Layout as PDF) or EPS (File > Save Page as EPS) from the application, ensuring that you follow the above guidelines for these formats. There is no advantage to supplying a qxp file.

Please ensure that all images are at high resolution (300 dpi) and that the document is in CMYK colour mode and has all relevant bleeds and crop marks (lines around the edges identifying where the bleed ends and the actual artwork begins).

How to convert an Quark file to CMYK

Photoshop Files (.psd)

We are able to work from PSD files, however we will simply output a PDF or JPEG from Photoshop so it is beneficial for this to be done by the designer (File > Save As > Photoshop PDF), so they are able to check the accuracy of the output before sending. File sizes will also be smaller, which will save time when sending and setting up.

When you create your document, it is essential that under resolution you enter 300 pixels/inch and under colour mode you choose CMYK Colour. Please include relevant bleeds and crop marks (lines around the edges identifying where the bleed ends and the actual artwork begins).

How to convert a Photoshop file to CMYK

Illustrator Files (.ai)

If supplying as Ai files, please ensure that all images are embedded (you will be prompted when importing images) and all type is converted to outlines (select all type, then choose the Type menu at the top of the screen and select Create Outlines). Please bear in mind though that there is no advantage to supplying in this format and PDF or EPS is always preferable.

Please ensure that all images you use are at high resolution (300 dpi) and that the document is in CMYK colour mode and has all relevant bleeds and crop marks (lines around the edges identifying where the bleed ends and the actual artwork begins).

How to convert an Illustrator file to CMYK

 
Microsoft Office

We do not accept artwork in this format. Please convert your MS Office documents to PDFs before sending them to us (click here fore more information).