Accepted file formats
- JPEG
- EPS (with embedded fonts)
- TIFF (flattened layers)
Which files give you the best printing results
- Print Services recommends PDF for the best results. This format combines the best color management and font management and leaves less room for error.
- As an alternative, we recommend EPS files with embedded fonts. EPS produces excellent results for documents that combine raster (images) with vector (text).
- For an image file without text, a .tiff is an excellent format. When sending tiff files, be sure to either convert to CMYK or embed a color profile.
How to ensure the file prints clearly.
- Keep file and image sizes equal to your output size. Images need to be at a resolution of 300dpi or higher.
How do I set up my file, if I want my image or design to run to the edge of the page (a "full bleed")?
- Design your project with an extra 1/8-inch (minimum) on all sides.
- For example, if your final piece will be a 4” x 6” postcard, create the file as 4.125” x 6.125” and the extra will be trimmed in the finishing process.
- Wherever you want the color to run to the edge of the page, extend it beyond the size of your finished image, in this case beyond the 4" x 6" boundary.
What is DPI and why is it important
- Dpi (dots per inch) is the number of pixels that fit horizontally and vertically into a one-inch square space. For an image to print properly it needs to be created with at least 300 dpi. You can't effectively increase the resolution after an image has been created. If you reset the resolution setting of a 72dpi image to 300dpi, the image will look blurry because it stretches out the pixels.
Difference between 300 & 72
- Printed items require a higher resolution than items viewed on a screen. This resolution, 300dpi, is required for printed items. Computers are only able to display 72dpi on screen, so a 72dpi image may look okay when viewed at 100% on your monitor but it will print fuzzy. When zoomed in at 200% or higher, a picture that is displayed with 300dpi will look sharper than a picture displayed with 72dpi. Images saved for the web can be 72dpi.
What is CMYK
CMYK is a color model used in offset color printing. It is based on mixing pigments of the following colors in order to make other colors:
- C = cyan
- M = magenta
- Y = yellow
- K = key (black)
Submitting your files in CMYK color mode will give you the best results. If you submit your files in RGB or any other color standard, they will be changed to CMYK by Print Services as part of the setup for printing. Please note that only half of the colors in RGB can be exactly matched in CMYK, so conversion will cause the colors to shift.
*If you are concerned about color and your job is color critical, please order a hard copy to ensure color accuracy.
How do I save or export my file from Microsoft Publisher so that it is ready to print?
- For Microsoft Publisher, we recommend saving your file as a TIFF.
- Go to File > Save As. In the Save As dialog box, select .tiff. (Tag Image File Format) as the file type, and click Save. Be sure to change the resolution from the default (150dpi) to Press Ready (300 dpi).