Whether you’re supplying your own artwork or reviewing a proof prepared by Cedar River Ink, following these guidelines helps ensure your project prints accurately and avoids unnecessary delays or reprints.
Print-Ready File Checklist
Before uploading your artwork, verify that it meets the following requirements:
- Delete any hidden or non-printing layers that are not intended to appear in the final product.
- Submit your project as a single PDF whenever possible. Multi-page projects should be combined into one PDF with all pages in the correct order.
- Ensure the document is created at the finished trim size with all pages the same dimensions.
- Verify the file orientation (portrait or landscape) matches the intended final product.
- Include 1/8” (.125”) bleed on all sides for artwork extending to the edge.
- Keep all important text, logos, and critical design elements at least 1/8” (.125”) inside the trim line. Additional margin is encouraged whenever possible.
- Avoid borders close to the edge of the page, as normal trimming tolerances may cause them to appear uneven.
- Use high-resolution images (300 DPI at final print size).
- Convert artwork to CMYK color mode unless your project specifically requires RGB or spot (PMS) colors.
- Use 100% Black (K100) for small black text.
- For large solid black areas, use a rich black such as C30 M20 Y20 K100.
- Embed or outline all fonts before exporting your PDF.
- Double-check spelling, phone numbers, email addresses, website URLs, and other variable information before submitting your file.
Print-Ready Frequently Asked Questions Checklist
Our preferred format is a high-quality PDF. We also accept many native design files, including Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, and other common formats. Additional file preparation charges may apply depending on the condition of the artwork.
Bleed is the portion of your artwork that extends beyond the finished trim size. It ensures that colors and images print completely to the edge without unwanted white borders caused by normal trimming variations.
For most printed products, artwork intended to print to the edge should extend 1/8” (.125”) beyond the final trim size on all sides.
