Artwork guidelines

At checkout

Automatic file review

When you upload a PDF in cart or checkout, we run a free file review and show a checklist on your file. Fix any failures and re-upload before you pay.

When a product requires bleed, build trim size plus 0.125″ (3 mm) on each trimmed edge. The automatic size check compares your PDF page box to trim ± bleed from your selected options.

• Required

  PDF format

  Checkout artwork must be a PDF. Other formats are rejected before upload.

• Required

  File size within limit

  Each PDF must be 64 MB or smaller.

• Info

  Uploaded to secure storage

  Files are stored securely so production can open them after you pay.

• Required

  PDF opens (not corrupt)

  We confirm the PDF opens cleanly. Corrupt or password-locked files fail.

• Required

  Fonts embedded or outlined

  Live text must use embedded fonts, or text must be converted to outlines. Missing fonts block checkout.

• Required

  Page size matches product (trim ± bleed)

  Document page size must match the size selected in the configurator, including bleed when the product requires it (about ±3 pt tolerance; portrait/landscape swap allowed).

• Warning

  Color space (CMYK preferred)

  RGB may be flagged as a warning. Convert to CMYK for color-critical work when possible.

• Warning

  Raster image resolution

  Images under ~200 DPI are flagged. Aim for 300 DPI at final size for marketing print.

• Required

  Page count matches product

  The PDF must have exactly the pages the product prints: 1 page for one-sided items, 2 pages (front, then back) for two-sided items, and for booklets and calendars the page count you ordered, cover included, as single pages in reading order. Every page must be the same size. Do not export spreads.

Common setup rules

Use these defaults unless a product page lists a different trim, bleed, or color requirement.

• Export a print-ready PDF (checkout rejects non-PDF artwork). Keep each file under 64 MB.
• Embed fonts or convert text to outlines. Missing fonts fail automatic review.
• Build at final trim size, then add 0.125″ (3 mm) bleed on every side that will be trimmed when the product requires bleed.
• Your PDF page size must match the configurator size (trim ± bleed). Portrait/landscape swap is OK within a small tolerance.
• Keep critical text and logos at least 0.125″ inside the trim (safe area).
• Use CMYK for color-critical work; RGB may be flagged as a warning during upload review.
• Raster images should be 300 dpi at final size for most marketing print (images under ~200 DPI are warned).
• Name files clearly: Product_Size_Sides_YourName.pdf

Common issues

Most uploads that fail validation hit one of these. Fix and re-upload from cart or checkout.

Missing bleed

Extend backgrounds 0.125″ past trim on all sides that will be cut.

Low-resolution images

Replace screen grabs and web images with 300 dpi (or 150 dpi large-format) sources.

RGB or unembedded fonts

Convert to CMYK for critical color, outline or embed fonts, and re-export PDF.

Wrong trim size

Match the finished size selected in the product configurator, not a template that is only close.

Wrong page count

Two-sided items need 2 pages (front, then back). Booklets need the exact page count ordered, cover included, as single pages. Add blank pages rather than leaving them out.

Text too close to edge

Pull type and logos into the safe area (about 0.125″ inside trim).

Business cards

Standard US trim 3.5″ × 2″. Thick stocks show edge color. Extend backgrounds into the bleed.

• Document size: 3.5″ × 2″ plus 0.125″ bleed (3.75″ × 2.25″ with bleed).
• Safe area: keep type 0.125″ from trim.
• For folded cards, supply a flat layout with fold marks indicated in the product notes.

Postcards

Common sizes 4×6, 5×7, and 6×9. Stiffer stocks; full-bleed photography works well.

• Match the exact trim selected in the configurator.
• Mailing panels need clear address zones. Leave space if you are using a postal service.
• 0.125″ bleed all around; 0.125″ safe margin for text.

Flyers & brochures

Letter (8.5×11) and legal sizes are common. Folded pieces need panel-accurate layouts.

• Supply flat art at the full open size for multi-panel folds.
• Account for fold creep on thicker booklets. Keep critical type off panel edges.
• Indicate fold lines in a separate layer or notes; do not print crop marks into the live area unless requested.

Booklets & calendars

Saddle-stitched pieces print in sets of four pages. One PDF, single pages, in the order a reader turns them.

• Build every page at the finished single-page size (for example 8.5″ × 11″) plus 0.125″ bleed. No reader or printer spreads.
• The page count you order includes the cover. A 16 page booklet is one 16 page PDF: front cover, inside front, 12 inside pages, inside back, back cover. Include blank pages where needed.
• Calendars sold as "24 pages plus cover" need 28 pages in the PDF: the 4 cover pages first, then the 24 inside pages.
• All pages must be the same size and orientation. Our file review checks the page count and every page size before you pay.

Banners, posters & rigid boards

Viewing distance allows lower effective dpi, but edges and grommet zones still matter.

• Build at 100% scale when possible; otherwise note the scale clearly in the filename.
• 150 dpi at final size is usually enough for banners and yard signs.
• Leave clearance for grommets, pole pockets, or stand hardware where the product requires it.
• Coroplast / foam / styrene: extend background into bleed; avoid hairline borders near trim.

Labels & stickers

Die-cut shapes need clean vector paths. Leave kiss-cut / safety margins as listed on the product.

• Provide vector die lines on a separate spot or layer when custom shapes are offered.
• Do not place critical text across the cut path.
• CMYK or spot as specified; white ink underbases may be required on clear stock.

Letterhead, envelopes & notepads

Thin papers show show-through. Avoid heavy solids on both sides unless you request them.

• Letterhead: 8.5″ × 11″ with modest bleed unless edge-to-edge color is selected.
• Envelopes: keep type inside the printable area for that flap/face; avoid print under the glue flap.
• Notepads: include a 0.5″ binding edge if the product uses glued pads.