Print Files :: Frequently Asked Questions & Answers – Business Cards - Custom Design & Printing

Print Files FAQ

Uploading Files

You can upload your files in the shopping cart after you have added a product to your cart.

Recommended File Size

We ask that the files are kept under 20MB.

Acceptable Formats

We accept the following file formats: .ai .pdf .psd .eps .jpeg (jpg) .tiff

Vector Files are preferred
We recommend saving as a .PDF
We prefer that you send files with embedded images and outlined fonts.
Creating artwork in CMYK Color Mode is highly encouraged to minimize color shifts.

Since we print in CMYK, we ask that your file is set to a CMYK color profile. If your file is set to a RGB color profile, it will be automatically converted to CMYK and a color shift will occur which will affect the look of the finished product.

RGB:

CMYK:

We only accept vector artwork or rasterized images that are 300 dpi files and no less.

Low resolution files will be placed on hold until we receive new files, slowing your turn-around.

File Set Up

Click here to view article on how to set up your files.

How to Prevent File Issues

Click here to view article on preventing file issues.

Printing method

We print offset and gang run in CMYK. Offset printing uses a different plate for each ink color, in this case cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (key). Each of those colors is layered in different percentages to get the final color output. Gang run printing is a method that adds multiple jobs to the same plate to decrease set up time, and overall costs. Printing gang run does mean, however, that your order will be going through the same print processes that other orders on your plate go through. CMYK printing also allows for a lower cost, because instead of customers needing to pay for each ink color in the design, these 4 ink colors, though less accurate, can be used in numerous combinations to achieve color in a print.

If a color match is important to your branding, we would highly recommend adding a PMS ink to your order. PMS stands for Pantone Matching System and this ink type offers a variety of colors in specific shades, identified by a number. PMS inks are added to your cards on a separate printing plate during print, and have a much lower risk of shifting than CMYK colors. PMS inks are also the best option if the CMYK color is at high risk of shifting during print.

CMYK best practices and tips

The build of the colors in your file is important to pay attention to with CMYK. There are certain CMYK colors that are at a higher risk of shifting than others. This can include colors like an egg shell white or cream, gold, navy blue, rich blue colors, or certain gray builds. These colors are trickier to print because they typically have values that are close in percentage, and if one shifts slightly, it could cause a more drastic change in color than other slight shifts. With high risk colors, we recommend at least a 20% difference between values in your color to avoid that high risk of shifting. Dark colors that have a high percentage of K(black) ink, also have a tendency to shift dark, as the black can overpower the other inks.

If you are looking to get a rich black print, we would recommend adjusting the black values to C 50, M 40, Y 30, K 100. This combination allows for a deeper looking black color than just a true black print can achieve. True black (C 0, M 0, Y 0, K 100) can end up looking a bit more dull than a rich black color combination.

With CMYK there is always a chance that your color could vary slightly from print to print. Colors on each plate could adjust a little higher or lower during the print, and cause a slight variation in color.

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