File Usage Guidelines & Logo Submissions

It is no secret in the print world that when it comes time for a customer to submit a logo file, both the customer and the print shop are left in a never-ending circle of “wrong file” or “the colour did not come out the way I expected.”

To help alleviate some of the issues surrounding submitting your logo to a printer, we have outlined the different types of file formats along with different colours to assist during these instances.

This information aligns with the logo files you will receive through our Logo Design rates.

What file format should I give my printer?

EPS

An EPS is a vector-based file, which in it’s 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 anybody who is going to print something for you. You will not be able to view this file unless you have special design software. Keep this file safe! You will never want to lose this file format as it can create all other formats.

PDF

An alternative to an EPS. This file format also contains a vector-based file, except most can view this file and see its contents. Some companies may ask for this version, but it’s normally a best practice to send them an EPS before a PDF. Only those with special design software will be able to edit this file.

JPG

A JPG is a pixel-based file. It’s main function is for screen/digital mediums such as a website, social media, or email signatures. If you do not require a transparent background (being able to see through the background), a JPG is right for you. JPG’s can be used in both RGB or CMYK colour formats — RGB when dealing with electronic screens such as websites or TV; CMYK for such things as the letterhead you are creating in Microsoft Word, or another printable item you are creating yourself. Never enlarge a JPG as it is pixel-based. Your logo will become blurry.

PNG

A PNG is also a pixel-based file. It’s main function is for screen/digital mediums such as a website, social media, or email signatures. The only difference from a JPG is a PNG contains a transparent background, which will allow the background of the object you are placing your logo on to be visible without a box around your logo.

What colour format should I give my printer?

PMS

PMS refers to a Pantone Matching System, which simply means a colour system that will ensure the exact replication of your logos colours each time it is printed. Also referred to as a “Pantone” colour, use this logo colour format when printing a file with minimal colours (typically brand colours only) from a commercial printer.

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.

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.

What is 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 a 0.25″ white margin around the entire document will work.

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.

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 .25” to both the height and width of the document. If you want a 5”x7” card to have a bleed area, the canvas size must be set to 5.25”x7.25”.
  • 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 .25” to the width and height (allowing for .125” on all sides). For example, if you want a 5”x7” card to have a bleed, the Photoshop file must be set to 5.25”x7.25”.
  • Once the dimensions are set, use the guide tool to set guides at .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 .125” for top, bottom, left, and right values.
  • 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 .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 .125” for top, bottom, left, and right values.
  • 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 .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 .125” for top, bottom, left, and right values. 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 .125” for top, bottom, left, and right values. 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.

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.