File Preparation Tips

When setting up your files for print, please follow the directions listed below. One of our prepress engineers will review your file upon reception and if your file is incorrect, it will be sent back to you with a list of changes that need to be made. If you so choose, one of our prepress engineers will be more than happy to make the corrections for you for a minimal setup fee of $20.00, if applicable.
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1.- Choose file type

Recommended file types are .TIF, .TIFF, .EPS*, .AI*, .PSD*, .JPG, .JPEG, .INDD*, & .PDF

.tif   Save files from Photoshop or other imaging applications as flattened (no layers) .tif with no compression.
.jpg   Save at high or maximum quality setting (minimal compression).
.pdf   When saving to .pdf, made sure downsampling is turned off and there is no bitmap compression for the best quality images. Include all fonts and do not allow font substitution. You may use high quality .jpg or zip 8 bit compression to decrease file size.

Other Supported File Types:
.bmp
.tga
.pcx
.doc
.xls
.ppt

Files from  Excel, Word & Powerpoint may be submitted for output however these file types often require additional setup time and charges. When possible, check first to see if your application allows saving in one of the recommended formats above.

If you need to submit a file from one of these applications in it’s native format, make sure to include all fonts and any other embedded files. Complex projects with multiple files and fonts may need to be sent to us with all files compiled into a .zip or .stuffed file, or on a CD-R.

2.- Check color mode

Recommended image type is CMYK.

We can print from either CMYK or RGB files, however we suggest supplying files in CMYK for optimal output. All printers print in CMYK, while monitors display RGB. By converting to CMYK, you will see the closest representation of the final output, as there can be a slight color shift when converting to CMYK. If you supply an RGB file, our high quality output system will process the file for the best quality conversion.

3.- Resolution

A minimum of 300dpi (dot per inch) resolution is required for all file formats. Keep in mind, images designed for web use are done at a low screen resolution of 72dpi. Print images need to be created at a minimum of 300dpi for a quality image to be produced.

Artwork Requirements

File Formats

The following format types are accepted:
.TIF, .TIFF, .EPS*, .AI*, .PSD*, .JPG, .JPEG, .INDD*, & .PDF

*If you are submitting this file type, please be sure to either package or outline all fonts and embed all linked images.

Proof

Prices include processing one set of uploaded files and creating one digital proof. Once Advanced Litho receives your uploaded file(s), each file will be reviewed. If we have any questions or find errors, we will contact you.

Resolution

A minimum of 300dpi (dot per inch) resolution is required for all file formats. Keep in mind, images designed for web use are done at a low screen resolution of 72dpi. Print images need to be created at a minimum of 300dpi for a quality image to be produced.

Color Mode

All color images and artwork must be provided in CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color mode. All black and white images and/or artwork must be provided in grayscale color mode.

Bleed

Please build your press-ready digital files with a 0.25” bleed for all products that do not have a white border. For example, if you desire your finished product to be 4” x 6”, please create a file at 4.25” x 6.25”. Please note that images exceeding desired finished size will be cut off.

Please include crop marks that end at least 1/16” away from visible image area. Attached your file(s) in the “upload images” section of the website.