To help alleviate some of the issues surrounding submitting your files to Graphic Ad, we have outlined the different types of files and colour formats meant for print. As well as guides on how to set up your file(s) with a bleed.
For additional guidance, feel free to contact us and tell us about your project. We’re here to help!
What file format(s) should I submit?
Best Format for Printed Documents
PDF stands for Portable Document Format, and it’s best to send this type of file for printing documents, posters and/or other paper-based products. Most programs include an “export to PDF” function, which we recommend using to submit your files to us. Usually, we can make some edits to a PDF to make it more print-ready if it’s not, but you can also request assistance by contacting Graphic Ad.
Best Format for Decals & Logos
EPS
An EPS is a vector-based file, which, in its simplest terms, means it has unlimited resolution. It can be reproduced at any size without any loss of quality. This is the file you will send to us if we’re going to print your logo or decal for you. You will not be able to view this file unless you have special design software. EPS files will be included in your Logo Design package from Graphic Ad.
Acceptable For Print
WORD
We can open and edit most Microsoft files, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher. If we need to adjust anything in the document in order to make it print-ready, we’d prefer the original file. However, you can also export your file to a PDF and submit that to Graphic Ad.
Acceptable Support Files
JPG & PNG
JPG and PNG are pixel-based files. Their main function is for screen/digital mediums such as a website, social media, or email signatures. A PNG contains a transparent background, while a JPG does not. Both are acceptable as support files in a printed document, so long as they have a dpi of at least 300dpi.
What colour format should I use?
Best Format for Printing
CMYK
CMYK is a four-colour printing process, used to describe the printing process itself. It stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black); the inks that are used in commercial printing. Best used when dealing with images or artwork that contain multiple colours.
Best Format for Colour Matching
PMS
PMS refers to a Pantone Matching System, which simply means a colour system that will ensure the exact replication of your logo’s colours each time it is printed. Also referred to as a “Pantone” or “Spot” colour, use this colour format when printing a file with minimal colours (typically brand colours only).
Acceptable for Print
RGB
RGB is a method of creating colours from Red, Green, and Blue. It is sometimes used when describing a display or monitor. Use this colour logo format when dealing with screen/digital mediums. Print files sent in RGB will be converted to CMYK for print, so some colours may appear different afterwards.
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What is a bleed?
If you want the background image or colour of your file to print to the edge of the page, you’ll have to include a bleed.
A bleed is when a background colour or photo extends beyond the edge of where the sheet will be trimmed. In other words, the bleed is the area to be trimmed off. This ensures that no unprinted edges occur in the final trimmed document.
For most projects, a 0.125″ bleed is sufficient. If you don’t want to include a bleed, then leave a 0.25″ white margin around the entire document. Scroll down to learn how to add a bleed to your file.
How do I set-up a bleed?
Setting up a bleed and exporting the file correctly varies from program to program.
Here’s a list of instructions for some of the most popular design programs.
Microsoft Word
- In the Page Setup dialogue box, under the “Paper Size” dropdown menu, select “More Paper Sizes”.
- Create a new size that is 0.25” wider and 0.25” taller than the final size of your printed piece (this accounts for 0.125” of bleed on all sides).
- Design your piece, keeping in mind that 0.125” around all edges of your file will be trimmed off after printing.
- Save your file as a PDF.
Canva
- To learn how to use margins, bleed, rulers and crop marks in Canva, click this link.
Adobe Photoshop
If you’re editing an existing document:
- Add guidelines by going to the “View” dropdown menu and clicking on “Rulers”. “Rulers” will be placed in your document window. Click on the rulers and drag guidelines to all 4 edges of the document.
- After the guidelines are set, go into the Image dropdown menu and select “Canvas Size”.
- Add 0.25” to both the height and width of the document. If you want a 5” x 7” card to have a bleed area, the canvas size must be set to 5.25” x 7.25”.
- Once the canvas size has been changed, the guidelines from the original document will stay, indicating the edge of the print area and the beginning of the bleed area.
- Save the document as a Photoshop PDF, use the Adobe PDF Preset: “Press Quality” and remember to uncheck the “Preserve Photoshop Editing Capabilities”.
If you’re setting up a new document:
- Open a new document and set your DPI (resolution) to 300 pixels/inch.
- When choosing the dimensions of the document, add 0.25” to the width and height (allowing for 0.125” on all sides). For example, if you want a 5” x 7” card to have a bleed, the Photoshop file must be set to 5.25” x 7.25”.
- Once the dimensions are set, use the guide tool to set guides at 0.125” for the height and width to designate where the bleed area will be.
- Design with the bleed area in mind, making sure not to put crucial text or images within the area.
- Save the document as a Photoshop PDF, use the Adobe PDF Preset: “Press Quality” and remember to uncheck the “Preserve Photoshop Editing Capabilities”.
Adobe InDesign
If you’re editing an existing document:
- Go to the “File” dropdown menu and select “Document Setup”.
- Select “Bleed and Slug”. Enter 0.125” for top, bottom, left, and right values. If the linked icon (looks like a chain) is selected, these should update all at once.
- Check the “Preview” box in the dialogue box to see what the bleed area will look like on your document (it will be represented by a red guide). Any elements that bleed must extend to the red box.
- Export your document as a PDF using the “Press Quality” print setting. Under the “Marks and Bleed” tab, check the “Use Document Bleed Settings” box and verify that 0.125” is entered for top, bottom, left, and right values. Also, ensure that “Crop Marks” is selected.
If you’re setting up a new document:
- Open a new document.
- Select “Bleed and Slug” and enter 0.125” for top, bottom, left, and right values. If the linked icon (looks like a chain) is selected, these should update all at once.
- Check the “Preview” box in the dialogue box to see what the bleed area will look like on your document (it will be represented by a red guide). Any elements that bleed must extend to the red box.
- Use the bleed guides while positioning your artwork or design to ensure that your design fits within the lines.
- Export your document as a PDF using the “Press Quality” print setting. Under the “Marks and Bleed” tab, check the “Use Document Bleed Settings” box and verify that 0.125” is entered for top, bottom, left, and right values. Also, ensure that “Crop Marks” is selected.
Adobe Illustrator
If you’re editing an existing document:
- Go to the “File” dropdown menu and select “Document Setup”.
- Under “Bleed”, enter 0.125” for top, bottom, left, and right values. If the linked icon (looks like a chain) is selected, these should update all at once. A red box will appear around your document, indicating where the bleed area is.
- Any elements that bleed must extend to the red box.
- Under the “File” dropdown menu, select “Save As” and save your document as a PDF (choose “Adobe PDF” in the Format dropdown menu in the “Save As” dialogue box). Click “Save”. Then, under the “Marks and Bleed” tab, check the “Use Document Bleed Settings” box and the “Trim Marks” box.
If you’re setting up a new document:
- Open a new document.
- In the New Document dialogue window, enter 0.125” for top, bottom, left, and right values. If the linked icon (looks like a chain) is selected, these should update all at once. A red box will appear around your document, indicating where the bleed area is.
- Any elements that bleed must extend to the red box.
- Under the “File” dropdown menu, select “Save As” and save your document as a PDF (choose “Adobe PDF” in the Format dropdown menu in the “Save As” dialogue box). Click “Save”. Then, under the “Marks and Bleed” tab, check the “Use Document Bleed Settings” box and the “Trim Marks” box.